Strategies to improve mental health and well-being within the UK construction industry

Abstract

This is a report of a mixed-methods research study into enhancing the mental health and well-being of construction workers in the UK. Data collection concerning current practice involved an extensive literature review, interviews with construction and medical professionals and an email survey of 126 workers using 77 questions. The findings indicated that there are major mental health problems within the industry, which are proving difficult to combat because of the associated stigma. The research highlighted that in many physical health incidents, participants may neglect their responsibilities by inadequate control measures or incomplete protective equipment. There was investigation of workplace sentiments, environmental conditions, workload and pressure, social context and stigma, hazard awareness, mental health training, education and advice. Recommendations included group activities in appropriate spaces, self-help programmes and guides, volunteering, health screenings and site-specific briefings with suitable visual aids. An implication for practice is that management should focus more on the thoughts and feelings of workers to improve their engagement with the workplace and assist with their work/life balance while maintaining a safe working environment at all times. This paper concludes with a list of improvement strategies for consideration by both employers and workers.