Mental Health and Well-being in the Construction Industry

Abstract

The APA Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health Partners with Construction Financial Management Association, CSDZ and Holmes Murphy to Combat Stigma conducted a survey in March 2021 and this report presents data from 1,175 respondents throughout the U.S. who answered as 20-question survey on mental health in the construction industry workplace. Overall, results suggest that concern for mental health is high, but willingness to discuss mental health at work is low. Key findings (from the APA Foundation's Press Release on 9/30/2021) include:

1. 93% of all survey respondents recognize addressing mental health at work as a sound business practice, and among presidents, CEOs, and owners, 77% indicated it was prioritized at work. 2. When asked if workers were likely to seek needed mental health care, only 26% indicated they believed workers were likely to seek care, whereas nearly half did not know (43%) and nearly a third said workers were unlikely to (31%). 3. Overall, respondents said their organizations make supervisor training (25%) or employee training (25%) available; 69% identified supervisor training as most helpful and 66% identified training for employees as most helpful. 4. When asked whether workers would openly discuss mental health with supervisors, only 17% responded they would, 37% indicated they would not, and almost half of respondents (46%) were either undecided or did not know. APA polling of the general public from earlier this year shows a dramatic contrast: nearly 56% in that poll indicated they’d be comfortable discussing mental health with their supervisors. 5. Similarly, when asked whether workers would openly discuss mental health with co-workers, only 18% agreed, 31% disagreed, and more than half (51%) were either undecided or did not know. This also indicates a contrast with the APA public polling where 56% of respondents indicated they’d be comfortable talking about mental health with colleagues. 6. The top four reasons for that reticence, according to those polled were: Shame and stigma (78%); Fear of judgment by peers (77%); Fear of negative consequences (55%); and Don’t know how to access care (46%)

As the construction industry works to improve health and safety - including mental health and well-being, this report sheds on important areas to focus on to overcome challenges in the workplace.