Mental Health in Construction: A Challenge We Can’t Afford to Ignore

Construction workers are the backbone of our infrastructure. Every building, road, and bridge is a testament to their skill and resilience. But behind the hard hats and hi-vis jackets, many are struggling in silence.

Mental health in construction is an issue we need to talk about—not in abstract terms, but as a real challenge that impacts the people and businesses driving this industry forward. At Legacy Strategies, we’re here to help construction businesses create environments where employees feel supported, valued, and, most importantly, understood.

The Mental Health Crisis in Construction

Did you know that construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average?

This stark reality stems from the unique pressures of the industry: long hours, high-risk work, and a culture that has traditionally prized toughness over vulnerability. But mental health isn’t something you can grit your teeth and push through. Ignoring it only leads to burnout, absenteeism, and turnover—all of which hurt both individuals and businesses.

The numbers are sobering, but they’re also a call to action. Addressing mental health isn’t just about avoiding negative outcomes; it’s about creating workplaces where people can thrive.

Why Construction Workers Are at Risk

Construction isn’t just physically demanding—it’s mentally challenging too. Here are some reasons why:

1. Stigma Still Runs Deep In an industry where strength is often equated with silence, many workers feel they can’t admit they’re struggling. The fear of being seen as "weak" stops people from asking for help.
2. Stress Is the Norm Tight deadlines, unpredictable weather, and the high stakes of safety-critical work create constant pressure. It’s no wonder stress levels run high.
3. Isolation on the Job For many workers, long hours on remote sites mean being far from family, friends, and support networks. It’s easy to feel disconnected.
4. Uncertainty About the Future The project-based nature of construction can lead to anxiety about job stability and financial security, especially during industry downturns.

What Happens When We Don’t Act?

The cost of ignoring mental health goes beyond the individual. It affects your entire organisation:

• Lost Productivity: When employees are struggling, their focus and efficiency suffer.
• High Turnover: Workers leave when they don’t feel supported, leading to recruitment headaches and added costs.
• Increased Absenteeism: Stress and mental health challenges are leading causes of sick days.
• Safety Risks: Mental health issues can lead to lapses in judgement, putting lives at risk in a high-hazard industry.

It’s clear that doing nothing isn’t an option. But the good news is that even small changes can make a big difference.

Practical Ways to Support Mental Health

Improving mental health in construction doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Here are some steps you can take today:

1. Start the Conversation

Breaking the stigma starts at the top. Leaders and managers need to show that it’s okay to talk about mental health.

• Hold toolbox talks that include mental health topics.
• Share stories or testimonials from those who’ve sought help—it can make a world of difference.

2. Offer Access to Resources

Support needs to be more than just words. Ensure employees know where to turn if they’re struggling.

• Set up an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential counselling.
• Train Mental Health First Aiders to provide immediate support and guidance.

3. Check in Regularly

Managers should make it a habit to check in with their teams—not just about work, but about how they’re doing.

• Regular one-on-ones can help spot issues before they escalate.
• Create opportunities for employees to share their thoughts anonymously through surveys or suggestion boxes.

4. Promote Work-Life Balance

Even in a demanding industry, there are ways to reduce burnout:

• Encourage workers to take their full holiday allowance and unplug when they’re off.
• Avoid scheduling unnecessary overtime and be realistic with deadlines.

5. Train for the Future

Equip your workforce with tools to handle stress and build resilience.

• Offer workshops on stress management and mindfulness.
• Train managers to recognise the signs of mental health challenges and intervene early.

Why This Matters to You

Let’s be honest—making mental health a priority might feel like "one more thing" to add to your already full plate. But the truth is, when your team is mentally healthy, they perform better, stay longer, and make your business stronger.

Supporting mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business.

How Legacy Strategies Can Help

At Legacy Strategies, we understand the unique challenges of construction. We’ve worked with businesses across the UK to:

• Build HR strategies that prioritise wellbeing.
• Develop mental health initiatives tailored to the needs of construction workers.
• Train leaders to create cultures of care and empathy.

Whether you’re looking to train mental health first aiders, improve communication across your teams, or embed wellbeing into your day-to-day operations, we’re here to help.

The Bottom Line

Mental health isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a cornerstone of a successful, sustainable business. By prioritising the wellbeing of your workforce, you’re investing in their future and your own.

The first step is starting the conversation. Let’s work together to build a construction industry that supports its people, on and off the job. Contact Legacy Strategies today to learn more.