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Mental health in construction: more work to be done despite ‘positive shift’
Nadine Buddoo CM People Editor
CIOB survey shows industry stress levels remain high, but employer support is growing. Nadine Buddoo reports.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is set to publish its latest research examining the state of mental health in the industry. The study is a follow-up to CIOB’s Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment report, which was released in May 2020 during the pandemic.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (12 to 18 May), the publication of CIOB’s new data will provide insights into the progress made to address poor mental health in the industry over the last five years.
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The report will seek to understand the prevalence of poor mental health in the industry, as well as outlining the action all organisations can take to support their employees.
Daisie Barnett, policy development manager at CIOB, said there has been a clear, positive shift in the amount of mental health support construction companies offer to their employees since the pandemic. She added: “Our research shows more than 75% of employees have been encouraged to get involved with awareness events like Mental Health Awareness Week, up from 26% in 2020.
“People having access to dedicated Mental Health First Aiders has also risen significantly, with one in two construction workers telling us they have this support available at work should they need it.
“However, despite this positive shift in support available, there is still so much for the industry to do.”
Recommendations
According to the 2025 data, almost one in four (24%) workers reported experiencing daily stress, while 20% said they were fatigued.
The new report also reveals that more than a quarter of respondents (27%) said they had experienced suicidal thoughts over the past year.
While the number of one-to-one conversations between managers and their direct reports has increased since the 2020 report, the new data also shows many workers do not feel confident to approach colleagues they think might be struggling with mental health concerns – unless it is someone they know well.
What support does your organisation/site currently offer when it comes to mental wellbeing?
Awareness week activities eg World Mental Health Day
77%
Help lines (eg Employee Assistance Programme – EAP)
54%
Mental Health First Aiders
54%
Work from home policy
51%
Flexible working
50%
Paid sick leave beyond Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
43%
Scheduled 1-1 meetings
35%
Training on mental health and the symptoms
27%
Additional external support (eg counsellors, occupational psychologist)
25%
Support structures
22%
None of the above/Other
19%
Switch-off policy (eg policy against checking your phone/ emails during non-working hours)
12%
Fatigue management plans
8%
I don’t know
4%
The new report is a call to action for key stakeholders and provides resources which aim to help policymakers and the industry support better mental health.
Barnett said: “Amongst a series of recommendations which will be made in our new report… we’ll be challenging companies to commit to achieving better mental health outcomes, implement policies to support their workforce, create trust and better train management to deal with mental health issues in the workplace. The report will also contain a variety of recommendations for the government to consider.”
Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support.
The Lighthouse Charity offers 24/7 free and confidential support on all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. 24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI) Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI) Live chat and more information: www.lighthousecharity.org
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