The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling on building companies across the UK to prioritise mental wellbeing today on National Stress Awareness Day.
With the construction industry facing unprecedented challenges including an ageing workforce, skills shortages, economic uncertainty, and demanding project deadlines, builders are experiencing heightened levels of workplace stress.
The FMB is urging members and the wider construction sector to use this Stress Awareness Day as an opportunity to be open and have conversations about mental health and signpost employees to vital support services if needed.
Studies show that about 73% of the UK's 2.1 million construction workers have been affected by mental illness, with reports that almost a third experience daily anxiety.
FMB Chief Executive, Brian Berry said: "National Stress Awareness Day is an important reminder that mental health must be made a priority in the construction industry. Builders face unique pressures with tough working conditions, long days, huge physical demands, job insecurity, and time away from their families -all of which can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing.
"As an industry, we need to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create environments where workers feel comfortable talking about it and comfortable reaching out when they're struggling. The statistics are stark: construction workers are at higher risk of suicide than the general population. Not to mention the millions of pounds in costs because of stress-related absences that the industry forks out for each year.
"I would like our members and the wider construction industry to take this opportunity to check in with their teams, promote the support services available, and remind workers that help is always at hand."
The FMB recommends using the Lighthouse Charity’s helpline and services. Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity added: “Stress, anxiety and depression account for around 20% of construction related illness, so this an important reminder that we should all look out for each other and understand the signs that someone might be struggling. Partnering with FMB means that we are able to amplify that message of support to their members and their families. No problem is too big or too small and we encourage people to reach out for support at an early stage.
At the Lighthouse Charity we have a number of resources to help people, from our 24/7 free and confidential helpline and live chat, through to our free wellbeing training covering a wide variety of wellbeing issues, including managing stress.”
