As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States, ConstructConnect’s Daily Commercial News is covering some of the latest figures from a survey taken in 2021 that looks into mental health and its prevalence in the industry. In addition, we are highlighting our national series Cracks in the Foundation, which features in-depth coverage of mental health, substance use and construction. In particular, part one of the series explores the issue in St. Louis and Kansas City.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A report from the U.S.-based Center for Workplace Mental Health examining mental health in the construction industry found leaders can play a key role in developing a culture of caring that addresses worker well-being, mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
The report, titled Mental Health and Well-being in the Construction Industry, stems from an online survey launched in March 2021.
The report found that “active and continuous leadership engagement is essential in breaking down barriers in addressing mental health and worker well-being.”
The survey showed 77 per cent of construction company presidents, CEOs and owners recognized addressing mental health as a priority at work by promoting awareness, helping to reduce stigma and encouraging people to get help when needed.
CFO, controller and finance respondents agreed at a lower level of 48 per cent. Other respondents were somewhere in the middle in prioritizing the issues – 56 per cent of field management/supervision and 69 per cent of HR/benefits co-ordinators.
When asked whether addressing mental health at work is a sound business practice, 93 per cent of respondents agreed.
The survey found construction organizations clearly see the value of training. Twenty-five per cent of respondents currently offer supervisor training while 69 per cent say they would find it helpful to offer training.
The report recommends that leaders develop a vision and implement policies that reflect the “three Vs”: be visible, be vocal, and be vulnerable, by sharing personal stories of lived experience from the leadership level.
The survey consisted of 20 questions. A total of 1,175 respondents completed the online survey.
To check the Cracks in the Foundation series in its entirety click below:
Cracks in the Foundation – National DCN-JOC series delves into the ‘other pandemic’
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