Mental Health and the Construction Industry

Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts pose a serious danger to worker safety on the job site. A 2020 study found that 83% of construction workers have experienced a mental health issue in their career.

May is National Mental Health Awareness month and with studies suggesting a potential increase in suicides brought on by COVID-19, it is the perfect time to discuss the effects of mental health efforts in the construction industry.

What actions is your company taking to minimize the risks of mental health illnesses and injuries such as suicide?

At Kingdom Roofing Systems people are our purpose. This starts with our employees. Kingdom creates healthy relationships with its employees that foster open communication. Creating an environment that encourages trust is key. People need to know that they will not be punished if they request authentic help. We also are intentional that conversations are confidential. The old saying is true, “No one cares what you know until they know that you care.”

Having relationships deeper than “hey how’s it going” is the beginning to creating a culture of “family” which breeds mental health. Everyone needs to feel valued and cared for, and that is what family does.

Does your company provide training regarding mental health?

If you don’t, then you should start. Kingdom does training regularly with Managers on how to respond to crises or high-stress situations. The response of management will help model proper outcomes.

How are you promoting a healthy work environment and supporting mental health in the construction workforce?

There must be a foundation of care beyond just profits in healthy work environments. Personal investment in the team is required.

Kingdom helps our team with everything from personal finances, to budgeting, establishing personal goals, accountability, guidance on marriage issues, etc. Everyone has personal things going on, and we know that when we invest in people personally, they will be much healthier emotionally and perform even better at work.

We all have a responsibility to rise above the statistics.

By caring for your team, creating an environment of trust, and investing in real relationships you can help fight the frequency of mental health issues increasing in the construction industry.