3 tips to promote mental health wellness in your construction company

One of the biggest dangers in construction work is poor mental health.

With so many construction safety tips around fall protection or faulty equipment, the invisible danger is overlooked. Construction workers are at a higher risk of suicide, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. Recognizing signs of poor mental health is just as important as wearing a hard hat on a job site.

As a construction business owner, you want to do everything in your power to protect your crew from harm. You can promote a culture of safety by taking preventative measures and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and first aid training.

The topic of mental health, however, is seen as taboo and disregarded as a safety issue. But that’s where the danger lies. Construction workers are less likely to ask for help when experiencing a mental health crisis.

Mental health problems are not uncommon. A study reports 83% of construction workers have experienced a psychiatric symptom like burnout or substance abuse. The pandemic and other external factors have added to the overall stress of being in construction. Unlike broken equipment, how do you see something invisible?

The answer is simply asking, “How are you – really?”

We’ll provide some tips to bring mental health to the front of employee wellness and provide resources for you when faced with a crisis.

1. Watch for the signs

The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention describes the following as warning signs for poor mental health specific to construction workers:

• Decreased productivity
• Increased conflict with team members
• Near hits, incidents and injuries
• Decreased problem-solving ability
• Increased tardiness and absenteeism

Poor mental health symptoms, like depression and anxiety, can contribute to a lack of sleep. Construction work can be hazardous and navigating a jobsite without proper rest can result in a dangerous accident.

Keeping an eye out for crew members who are exhibiting the signs mentioned above can help others stay safe. When deciding to talk to someone, open the conversation with empathy. For example, say “I noticed you were a bit quieter at our team huddle. How are you – really?”

Give your colleague a moment to respond. If they don’t want to talk, don’t pressure them. Let your teammate know you’re there when they’re ready to talk, and you’re ready to listen.

2. Talk about it

Integrate mental health topics into daily team huddles as if it were safety concerns. Here is a guide to conduct a team huddle. Continuously talking about issues like substance abuse and burnout shows your crew members you’re concerned for their wellbeing and not afraid of showing empathy.

It can be difficult to convince your employees to talk to their boss about matters outside of work. If this is the case, set up a peer support group. Ask other crew members if they feel comfortable leading these conversations.

Getting your team involved with these types of programs can nurture a sense of camaraderie among each other. Creating a sense of companionship can help crew members disclose when they’re experiencing a mental health issue.

3. Be proactive

Mental health never seems to be a problem until it’s too late.

The construction business is tough, and it comes with a wide range of problems. Coming to work, however, shouldn’t be one of those problems. A positive work environment can reduce stress related to the workplace.

Consider including a section in the employee handbook about mental health. Include prompts for difficult conversations, local resources for assistance and these phone numbers for crisis help.

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline = 988
• Substance Abuse Treatment and Referral = 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Alcoholics Anonymous hotline = 800-839-1689

Maintaining transparent communication with your team is important to creating an open space for dialogue. Most of all, hearing from your crew is critical in this. Create an anonymous poll or survey to find out how they’re feeling.

Depending on what you find, you can engage in the wellness of your crew.

Upload resources to Buildertrend

Among the different capabilities of construction management software, keep mental health resources on hand through the platform. Buildertrend’s Document feature allows you to upload and store important files everyone can access including subs and clients.

Other features like Buildertrend’s Messages allow you to keep an open channel of communication between all members of the project. Use this feature to remind people to take care of themselves when you can’t see them face to face.

Caring for your crew is a priority. The right tools can show them their wellbeing is top of mind.