The largest event in
the history of the UK construction industry to address mental health issues in
the sector has opened as part of UKConstruction Week.
The focus on mental
health and wellbeing at this year’s show is in response to the latest research
results which paint a picture of an industry that desperately wants more mental
health support.
The most recent survey
conducted last month on behalf of UK Construction Week * revealed that over
half of people in the construction industry have suffered mental health
problems at one point in their lives.
Six out of 10 people
(58%) working in construction have suffered from mental health problems due to
their work, most often stemming from financial issues (45%), long hours (41%)
and the physical strain of the job (41%). Despite this, only 4 out of 10 (44%)
have actually spoken out about it at work – and this figure rises to 71% for
those aged over 55.
Over a third of
respondents (37%) admitted that they had taken time off at work due to their
mental health, with only 64% of those telling their employer the reason why.
The problem is particularly acute among the 18-34 age group.
When asked who they
would turn to if they were to experience any mental health issues, most
construction professionals felt they would be most comfortable talking to a
dedicated mental healthcare professional (30%), followed by someone who they
get on well with at work (27%). A chat with a friend is considered the most
effective mood-booster for a bad day at work, according to respondents (50%),
followed by music (46%), exercise (38%) and food (32%).
However, most
importantly, over half of all respondents (56%) felt there was more their
organisations could be doing to support the mental health of workers. Of the
support services that they thought would be most beneficial, top of the list
was free counselling (39%) or flexible working (39%), followed by a dedicated
trained person to speak to (35%), an on-site quiet space (27%), and an
anonymous helpline (24%).
Interestingly, there
were differences between men and women in the industry about what was needed
most. Women are more likely to prefer allocated wellbeing days (30% vs
17%), an on-site quiet space (34% vs 24%), and flexible working (52% vs 35%) when
it comes to tackling their mental health at work. Men are more likely to prefer
anonymous helplines (26% vs 21%).
Some of these support
services are provided by the mental health charities working in the
construction industry, including Mates
in Mind and the Lighthouse Club’s
Construction Industry Helpline.
Nathan Garnett, event
director at UK Construction Week, said: “Awareness about the importance of
mental health has grown throughout the construction industry in recent years.
However, the industry still has a way to go in normalising open discussion about
this aspect of health and wellbeing.
“That’s why we put
together the Wellbeing Zone at this year’s UK Construction Week. We’re using
the country’s largest construction event to host the industry’s biggest
discussion and support initiative on mental health, swapping hard hats for hard
chats.
“Through signposting
to counselling, free employer advice and the simple sharing of stories, right
through to yoga and meditation sessions, exercise and sporting challenges, this
year’s UK Construction Week is designed to help as many people as possible,
culminating on Thursday 10 October to celebrate World Mental Health Day.”
Wellbeing features at
UK Construction Week include:
- An installation of
relaxing swings made by master craftsman Carwyn Jones, in a Wellbeing Zone
full of advice and information on mental health support run in association
with the NHS’s new Every Mind Matters
initiative.
- The launch of the Mind Your
Head campaign, which features a ‘Material Support’ gallery,
a collection of artwork made from construction components.
There will be mental health experts who work in construction
and practical advice available from an onsite
therapist.
- A multi-sports tournament and
cup involving football, netball and touch rugby, organised with STEAM, a
mental health charity which promotes wellbeing in construction
through sport and exercise.
- Free yoga and meditation
sessions every morning of the show.
- Free advice
workshops for employers in the Working Well Together Theatre , including
sessions on how to manage the issue of
alcohol and drugs effectively in the workplace and mental health in the work place
- an industry perspective.
UK Construction Week
(UKCW) finishes on 10 October, which is World
Mental Health Day, so the theme runs strongly throughout the three
days.
UKCW is one event with many sections, including Build sponsored by Easy-Trim, Building Tech, Civils, Energy and HVAC, Surface and
Materials, and Timber. It also features Concrete Expo (8-9 October only)
and Grand Designs Live (9-10 October only). Single registration gives free
access to all areas of the show.
Last minute tickets
are still available via the website www.ukconstructionweek.com.
