A recent report on the construction industry highlights the extent of mental health problems in this sector.
According to new data collected by Randstad, 34 per cent of construction workers have experienced mental health issues in the last year, whilst almost a quarter of those surveyed said their mental health is making them consider a career change.
The findings call needed attention to the growing trend of mental illness in the industry, especially in specific demographic sub-sectors within the broad range of construction staff. For example, there are stark differences between women and men, with 46 per cent of female respondents stating that they are currently suffering from a mental illness, a much higher proportion than men. There are key differentiators in terms of age too, with older workers much less likely to discuss their mental health issues than younger people, who are more willing to “open up” to superiors.
The report calls into focus the wider ramifications of mental illness, with 20 per cent of workers turning to alcohol and cigarettes to self-medicate as opposed to seeking help.
One in four people in the UK will suffer a mental illness at some point in their lives showing how prevalent the issue is, but this data report highlights the extent of the growing problem the construction industry. It’s never been more crucial for workplaces to become more supportive of and knowledgeable about mental health so that as an industry we can bring positive change and create a healthier and happier workforce.
Owen Goodhead, Managing Director of Randstad Construction, Property & Engineering: “The findings of our survey are as startling as they are insightful and highlight the growing problem the industry faces in creating a healthy and sustainable workforce.
”We found that mental illness affects all ages and genders and rather than seek help, one fifth of workers are turning to alcohol and cigarettes to self-medicate and have increased their drinking and smoking as a result of their mental state. This statistic is particularly troubling given the health concerns this behaviour can lead to.
“There are, however, signs that things could improve. Younger people are more likely than ever to discuss their mental health especially compared to the older generation of construction workers who, according to our survey, find it difficult to open up.
“However, men generally try to deal with their problems alone rather than speak out about the way they feel. This is particularly true in construction where a disproportionately high number of men suffer from a mental illness compared to other sectors.”