My workers are 3.7 times more likely to commit suicide than any other profession – this is how I’m taking action
I love my profession and since I founded the business in 2017, I’ve can honestly say I’ve enjoyed most aspects of it, from growing a skilled team to end-to-end construction of some ground-breaking buildings across the country. But I also know ours is an industry that faces a hidden threat.
Mental health problems, especially suicide, are most prevalent amongst those working in the construction industry, with men under 50 and construction workers being 3.7 times more likely to commit suicide than the national average; followed by those working in finishing trades (plasterers, painters and decorators), whose risk is double the national average.
It’s a big problem, with 2.1 million construction workers - 6% of the UK workforce - the industry is looking at around 350,000 individuals who may have to battle mental health problems at one point or another throughout their careers.
Whilst there’s no clear-cut answer as to why the industry and its workers face these issues, issues such as loneliness within trades that traditionally work alone and toxic views on masculinity which may stop some men from opening up and talking about how they feel are perhaps amongst the many reasons for such arresting statistics.
Any founder will tell you that the people they choose to work alongside are the lynchpin of their success, and I take the responsibility towards my team seriously. There’s never been more need to implement tools and schemes around the industry’s core values, as well as the encouragement of participation in campaigns and activities, in order to tackle this ever-growing issue. Equally, I know I don’t have all the answers, so it’s about working with people that are more experienced.
Below are four initiatives which Mobius Works are championing in 2020, which we feel that the whole industry could explore – and other industries as well – to help end the stigma of mental health for good.
1. Mental health toolboxes
Working alongside employee and personal wellbeing coaches is one way to ensure teams are equipped with an in-depth understanding of mental health to support others, as well as skills and tools to increase their own resilience.
Engaging with regular sessions throughout the year, every year is a great foundation to equip staff with vital skills and knowledge, which in turn can create a more in-touch and reactive workforce.
We’ve been working with Discover Your Bounce, a Bristol Wellbeing company, who have implemented the following:
- Mental Health Awareness Toolbox Talks for the construction staff
- Manager training on how to support staff with their mental health
- Wellbeing and Resilience training for office staff
- An emotional Intelligence Lunch and Learn for better communication
- Email support for individual staff members
- Consultancy with the business owners to give ideas and support
These workshops have equipped staff members with practical techniques for reducing stress and improving sleep as well as encouraging a culture of open communication and positive conversations around mental health.
2. Mental health campaigns
Local and national mental health campaigns not only help to raise awareness and raise money for fantastic causes, but they’re also a great way to increase morale and wellbeing internally. Many of them offer the opportunity to engage in activities like exercise, team building and charity; all feel-good, endorphin-releasing enterprises.
For example, at the start of the year, Mobius Works took part in Mind’s Red January, a community initiative that challenged people to support their mental health by being active every day.
Other fantastic campaigns include:
3. Mental health checks in appraisals
We have recently introduced mental health checks into our staff appraisal process, as it’s just as important as a performance review (and often the two work together). It’s a simple enough thing to do and it encourages open discussion about how people are feeling at work as well as their output. This doesn’t mean we only check in with everyone once a month, employees can, and are encouraged to, ask for these meetings as often as they need them.
4. Raising awareness
Mental health awareness can be talked about until we’re all blue in the face but, it means nothing unless we, as an industry, continue to proactively raise awareness and shout about what is being done at every possible chance; whether that’s social media, industry press, national press, internal newsletters - it doesn’t matter!
Mental health is as important as physical health and shouldn’t be ignored. It’s a key responsibility of all entrepreneurs and founders. Here’s wishing a happier and healthier 2020 for us all.
