January is a tough month for many across the UK. The excitement of the festive season is over, the days are short, and the dreary weather can make it difficult to stay positive. The third Monday of January has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ – also known as the most depressing day of the year. Whether you buy into ‘Blue Monday’ or not, the day serves as a timely reminder that it’s always a good time to talk about mental health.
According to the UK charity Mind, one quarter of the UK’s population will suffer from a mental health issue each year, with the most common symptoms being linked to anxiety disorders and depression. Suicide sadly remains the biggest killer of men under 50, who are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
In the construction industry, the figures are even more alarming. In 2021, an ONS survey revealed that construction workers are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, only emphasising the importance of addressing mental health issues in the industry.
The construction industry challenge
There are several reasons why poor mental health is such an issue in construction. It’s a high stress environment where workers are under constant pressure to meet tight deadlines, which takes its toll on people’s mental health. On top of this, the physically demanding nature of the job means the risk of injury is heightened.
To top it all off, there is a lingering ‘macho’ culture in the industry, where feelings are often left at home and being vulnerable or opening up about struggles is a no-go. We’re determined to change this, and make sure that mental health is talked about and prioritised across our businesses and beyond.
Making mental health matter
Talking helps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in a male-dominated industry. Engaging in open conversation can normalise mental health struggles and raise awareness of the topic, and it’s also a powerful weapon for individuals who are struggling.
So, how can we encourage people to talk? We sat down with Annelee Roscoe, our ESG & HR Director, to ask her thoughts:
“Employers should create a culture of acceptance regarding conversations about mental health. Training and workshops can help to educate employees on the importance of talking and start to break some of the stigma surrounding mental health. Employers should also set up a mental health and wellbeing department or provide some form of support that employees can access, such as specialist HR professionals or a dedicated councillor.
“At Premier Modular, we’ve taken steps to place greater emphasis on our employees’ mental health and wellbeing this year with the help of our YuLife platform that was launched last year across the business. Through YuLife, employees can access doctors’ appointments, participate in fitness targets and rewards, and receive up to four free counselling sessions per year. The platform has proved to be a success among the team so far, with a 54% uptake in week one, and promises to be a positive step in our journey of prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our employees.”
Sometimes, people might want to speak to someone outside of their workplace. In this case, there are plenty of charities that will offer a listening ear to those who need help. Lighthouse is dedicated to providing support to construction workers and their families, and Samaritans offers a 24/7, free-of-charge hotline to those who are struggling with their mental health.
Why don’t you join us as we work to break the stigma surrounding mental health in construction. Check in on a colleague today, or, if you’re struggling with your own mental health, know that it’s okay to reach out for help.
