Behind the walls - mental health challenges faced by construction workers

In 2025, the construction industry continues to grapple with significant mental health challenges. Understanding these issues is key to fostering a healthier work environment as a construction professional.

The State of Mental Health in Construction

Mental health problems are prevalent in the construction sector — it lost nearly 18% of its employees to suicide in 2021. It also has the highest rate of suicide compared to other professions. These figures highlight a pressing mental health crisis in construction.

7 Key Mental Health Challenges of Construction Workers

Mental health issues in the construction industry stem from a variety of factors, ranging from job-related stress to societal stigma:

• Work safety concerns: The inherent risks of construction work can lead to chronic stress. For example, nearly 40% of deaths on jobsites come from falls. Crews may experience anxiety over these potential accidents or injuries, impacting their overall well-being.

• Gender roles and stigma: The male-dominated workforce often perpetuates a culture where mental health discussions are stigmatized. This discourages many from seeking help, worsening mental health conditions.

• Work stress and pressure: A Cambridge study found 70% of construction staff experienced stress. Long hours, tight deadlines and demanding workloads contribute significantly to this.

• Labor shortages: The ongoing labor shortage increases workloads for existing employees, leading to burnout and heightened stress.

• Irregular income and job insecurity: Many construction teams face periods of unemployment or inconsistent pay, creating financial stress that exacerbates mental health issues.

• Isolation in remote projects: People stationed at jobsites far from their homes can experience loneliness and a lack of social support, which can lead to depression and anxiety.

• Physical fatigue leading to mental strain: The physically demanding nature of construction work can leave crews exhausted, reducing their ability to cope with mental and emotional stress.

Strategies for Improving Construction Workers’ Mental Health

Addressing mental health challenges requires a proactive and collaborative approach from employers. Here are some effective strategies to improve mental health in construction:

• Offering mental health training: One study explored the perceptions of mental health in the construction sector and found many reported a stigma surrounding it. This work environment has a macho-like culture that prevents most from seeking professional help, so invest in workshops and training to help employees recognize and address issues.

• Enhancing site communication: To reduce feelings of isolation, encourage open communication among teams — even on remote projects — through regular check-ins or virtual meetings.

• Establishing support programs: Implement employee assistance programs and peer support groups to create a platform for open discussions and access to professional help.

• Providing on-site mental health resources: Offer access to mental health services such as workbooks and counseling at jobsites to ensure they can conveniently seek support.

• De-stigmatizing mental health: Foster a culture where mental health discussions are normalized. Leadership should actively promote openness by integrating mental health into safety briefings and team meetings.

• Promoting work-life balance: Encourage reasonable working hours and flexible schedules to help crews manage stress more effectively. Changing work schedules has been found to reduce job stress by 20% and raise job satisfaction by 62%.

• Improving job security and safety: Provide clearer contracts and long-term job commitments where possible to alleviate financial uncertainty and its impact on mental health. Additionally, ensure all staff know how to operate machinery and wear PPE appropriately to reduce injury-related worries.

Building a Healthier Construction Industry

Construction can no longer ignore the mental health challenges its workers face. By providing training, implementing support systems and fostering an open culture, you can contribute to a safer, healthier work environment. Take the first step by starting conversations and advocating for mental health resources because every worker deserves to thrive, both on and off the job.