One in Five Construction Employees Bullied

MORE THAN one in five – 21% of construction employees have experienced bullying in the last year. Half of these suffered from anxiety or stress as a result, with just 6% saying they had sufficient mental health support from their employer.

The findings, from a nationwide survey come ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

Despite the construction industry’s continuing efforts to tackle poor mental health and promote awareness of it, one in three workers have reported feeling chronic stress, anxiety, or depression.

The data was collected by London plant hire specialist Herts Tools, who surveyed employees from 88 construction companies in the UK.

Bullying Banter

With some in the construction and trades industries still leaning towards ‘manning up’ or ‘cracking on’ as solutions to mental health issues, almost 1 in 10 workers said bullying was just labelled as ‘banter’.

Bullying was worse for those starting out in the industry, with half of 21-24-year-olds experiencing it. Non-UK citizens are almost twice as likely to be bullied at work, with 31% of non-UK passport holders falling victim, compared to 18% of UK citizens.

Confidentiality

Workers surveyed also noted that the industry could improve its approach to confidentiality, with 56% of bullied employees wanting more privacy on issues raised. Even those who hadn’t personally been subject to bullying felt more could be done to improve confidentiality around sensitive, personal issues (36%).

Stefano Lobban, Director at Herts Tools, said: “The UK construction industry is still experiencing a mental health crisis: workers continue to demonstrate a ‘suck it up and deal with it’ approach to poor mental health.

“The findings from our survey highlight that workplaces could be doing more. They could encourage workers suffering to come forward and share their experiences of poor mental health issues and/or bullying by having more confidentiality measures in place.”

Kasia Richter, Founder at Wellbeing Strategist, said: “Harmless joking is when it is enjoyed by both parties. Banter can be a way of creating bonds by sharing experiences and exchanging thoughts and feelings in a way that is mutually accepted. Bullying starts when boundaries of respect are crossed and certain behaviour is harmful, causing negative feelings such as emotional pain, sorrow, guilt or shame.

Where Can Construction Workers Seek Professional Mental Health Support?

• Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity

The charity has been delivering charitable welfare and support to the construction community since 1956. The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is funded by the industry, for the industry.

• Mates in Mind

Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health. We promote and lead on the development of positive mental wellbeing within the workplace. Mates in Mind works across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors, including transport, logistics, manufacturing, and others.

>> Read more about mental health in the construction industry in the news