Concerns over the rising levels of mental ill-health in the construction industry are well-publicised. Figures suggest construction workers are unlikely to seek help, with only 0.7% of workers reporting stress-related illness. However, the highest levels of suicide in the UK are in construction, with male workers three times more likely to commit suicide than the average UK man.
Mental wellbeing at work is a vast topic. There is a wealth of information, and for any organisation just getting to grips with mental health support in the workplace, it can be difficult to know where to start. Construction Industry Publications (CIP) are going to look at this important topic in six parts across this year – so far, they have published Parts 1-5:
- Part 1 – The importance of mentally healthy workplaces.
- Part 2 – Organisation culture and workplace wellbeing.
- Part 3 – Prioritising mental health at work.
- Part 4 – Implementing wellbeing strategies.
- Part 5 – Supporting mental health and the return to work.
Neglecting mental health at work is simply too high a price to ignore.