Supporting well-being in the UK construction industry

How can we improve our mental health?

Here are some strategies that can help construction workers manage their mental health and well-being:

1. Have open conversations and support networks

One of the biggest barriers to mental health in construction is the stigma surrounding it. Workers often feel they can’t express their concerns or worries for fear of being perceived as weak or incapable. Encouraging open conversations about mental health in the workplace can reduce this stigma. Workers should be encouraged to talk about their stress, fatigue, or anxiety without judgment.

At Open we’ve introduced Health Assured’s employee assistance programme (EAP) so our team have access to a confidential helpline that is available 24/7, 365 days a year. With calls answered by experienced in-house counsellors, and legal and financial experts we’re making it as easy as possible for our team to get the right advice when they need it the most. Through our EAP we also have access a range of digital health and wellbeing resources, including their Wisdom app – an industry-leading health and wellbeing platform that provides an enhanced set of wellbeing tools and resources to improve the user’s physical and mental health.

2. Set realistic goals and break tasks down

Construction is a high-pressure industry with tight deadlines and demanding workloads. One of the ways to reduce mental strain is by setting realistic goals and breaking tasks down into manageable steps. Workers should feel supported when requesting help or expressing concerns about unachievable deadlines.

3. Have regular breaks

Breaks offer time to decompress, refresh the mind, and reduce the likelihood of burnout, which is critical for mental health. Our Site Managers are constantly monitoring the workers on our sites, making sure they are taking regular breaks and not pushing through fatigue.

4. Physical exercise beyond work

While construction is already a physically demanding job, engaging in light exercise outside of work can enhance mental well-being. Activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can help reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activity boosts the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters.

5. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Stress management is key to maintaining good mental health in construction. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or meditation can help workers manage stress and anxiety. Even just 10 minutes a day can make a significant difference in mood and concentration.

Mindfulness apps, such as Headspace or Calm, can offer guided meditations and relaxation exercises tailored for busy schedules.

6. Try sleeping before 10:30pm and eat healthy meals

Poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Workers should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to aid in mental recovery. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can also boost energy levels and improve overall mood.

7. Access to professional help

Seek professional help if you experience ongoing mental health struggles. Whether it’s a therapist, or a mental health support service, timely intervention can make a difference. The NHS website offers help and advice of how to find the right solution for you.

Habits to avoid for better mental health

Just as there are habits that promote mental health, there are those that can have the opposite effect, especially in a fast paced environment like construction.

1. Bottling up emotions

Suppressing emotions can lead to long-term mental health issues. Construction workers may feel the need to bottle up their feelings to avoid any appearance of vulnerability, but this only increases stress levels and the risk of burnout. At Open we encourage a culture of openness, where people can talk freely and have honest conversations about how they’re feeling.

2. Relying on alcohol 

In stressful environments, there’s often a temptation to rely on alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism. While it might provide temporary relief, substance abuse ultimately worsens mental health issues. Recent studies from Stanford University have demonstrated how alcohol abuse can lead to loss of memory and in some cases early dementia.

3. Neglecting physical health

Ignoring the need for physical rest, good nutrition, and regular exercise can take a toll on mental health. Dr Gabor Mate, wrote in his book ‘When the body says no” that when the mind doesn’t acknowledge our primary needs, the body can start suffering.

For better wellbeing and mental health at Open we’ve:

• Implemented mental health and wellbeing policies.
• Provided access to professional mental health support through our Health Assured EAP.
• Enabled a work culture that values both mental and physical health equally.

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s focus on the mental well-being of UK construction workers by encouraging open conversations, adopting healthy habits, and avoiding behaviours that can harm mental health, so we can build a safer, healthier, and indeed happier construction industry for everyone.