Managing mental health at work is now a key responsibility for managers, employers, and business owners. It’s crucial not only for the well-being of your employees but also for sustaining productivity and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Social media company On The Tools, the UK's largest community of tradespeople, has found that 73% of the country's 2.1 million construction workers have been affected by mental illness. In the last ten years, this has resulted in 7000 construction workers taking their own life.
Researchers from the suicide prevention resource centre found that suicide rates vary significantly among occupations and that occupations associated with high rates of suicide have changed over the last 30 years. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, people with access to lethal means i.e., doctors, dentists and farmers (access to pharmaceuticals and firearms) accounted for high mortality rates, more recently this has shifted to trade labourers, i.e., plasterers and carpenters and forklift truck drivers, all classified as manual occupations.
With manual occupations, this increase has been attributed to a substantial decline in employment opportunities for certain categories of manual labour, this can lead to financial instability and a lack of self-esteem. Other factors mentioned in research include socioeconomic trends and the use of social media. This last point has led to issues surrounding body dysmorphia, where a person spends time worrying about flaws in their appearance.
Identifying Mental Health Issues
Recognising mental health challenges early can have a significant impact. Keep an eye out for these common signs:
· Changes in mood or behaviour
· Decline in performance
· Frequent absences
· Withdrawal from colleagues
· Signs of stress or anxiety
It's important to remember that mental health issues can vary from person to person. These are simply the common signs to watch for. To truly provide the best support, scheduling one-on-one meetings or maintaining an open-door policy are effective ways to ensure everyone feels heard and supported.
Ensure all employees are informed about this policy and know how to access support.
Under the Equality Act 2010, mental health conditions may be considered disabilities, which means you might be required to make reasonable adjustments to support your staff and ensure they aren't treated unfairly or face additional challenges due to their condition. Having clear policies and thorough risk assessments in place can help you fulfil these responsibilities and reduce the risk of complaints or legal concerns.
To support mental health issues in the UK, construction companies can:
· Implement mental health training for staff,
· Encourage open communication about mental health concerns,
· Create a supportive work culture,
· Designate mental health first aiders,
· Provide access to employee assistance programs,
· Promote work-life balance, and
· Raise awareness about available support services like the construction industry helpline and mates in mind; all while actively working to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Mental health does not only affect the construction industry, in my own experience, I have encountered persons raising concerns in several areas including professional drivers and office workers on different levels. Sometimes the stress of middle to senior management is difficult to deal with when you are being pressured from above and below to deliver sometimes unrealistic expectations.
If anyone is concerned about their own or others mental health, there are several agencies that can assist and support without judgement.
· NHS offers urgent mental health support by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.
· Mind support line on 0300 102 1234.
· National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652
· If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Mental health crisis can affect any person at any age, if you have concerns, please talk to a trained person for advice on what can be done, you could save someone’s life.
At Base Solutions, we can assist your business in managing mental health challenges. Click the button below to learn more about our Mental Health Awareness course.
📞 Call us at: 020 3976 9478
✉️ Email us at: info@baseoslutionsltd.com
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