Why Mental Health Matters

As per of the Construction Industry Federations (CIF) safety campaign taking place from the 14th-25th October 2024, one of the five critical risks being highlighted is mental health. In construction, mental health isn't a luxury, it is a crucial element of keeping workers safe.  As Beth Hoey from KTL emphasises, "Mental health is the core enabler of employee engagement and performance." When our staff feel good mentally, they're more productive, less likely to leave, and create a positive environment where everyone enjoys coming to work.

The Silent Struggle

A 2020 survey revealed that a staggering 83% of construction workers struggle with mental health issues1. As Beth points out, "Being such a male-dominated industry, there is such a stigma that men can't speak out on how they are feeling and express their worries, therefore it is even more important that we take a conscientious effort to support our staff."

One of the biggest challenges we face is staff coming to work when they're not okay. As Beth explains, "Not dealing with your mental health and putting yourself first is not only endangering yourself but endangering everyone around you."

Recognising the Signs

It's important to be aware of the signs of mental health struggles in yourself and others. Beth highlights the importance of noticing changes in behavior, such as:

• Constant worry and stress

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Changes in sleep patterns or fatigue

• Decline in personal hygiene

• Decrease in work performance

If you see these signs in yourself or a colleague, simply ask, "Are you okay?" Sometimes, just being a listening ear can make all the difference.

Building a Wellbeing Culture

Beth's highlights KTL’s commitment to mental health and well-being, "We're striving to ensure the positive mental health of all our staff." Some of the program’s KTL have implemented include:

• A Wellbeing Hub: A dedicated digital hub for staff to access resources, news and updates.

• Mental health first aiders: KTL have trained mental health first aiders on hand to provide confidential support to management and staff.

• Online digital gym membership: Recognising the time constraints workers face, KTL offer online gym memberships for convenient workouts.

By prioritising mental health, KTL is creating a healthier, happier, and safer workplace for everyone. As Beth concludes, "KTL genuinely cares about their workers’ well-being, and that's the difference, we want to make that difference. We are constantly looking at ways to support and enhance initiatives in this area."

You can find more information about mental health resources on the CIF website cif.ie and to find out more about KTL visit ktl.ie

1Reference to the 2020 survey: "A 2020 study by the Mental Health Foundation found that 83% of construction workers struggled with mental health issues (Construction Workforce Mental Health Survey, 2020)."