The construction industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, shaping the nation’s physical landscape and providing millions of jobs. The sector’s contributions are visible in every corner of the country, from towering skyscrapers to mega projects and intricate infrastructure networks. However, beneath the surface of this robust industry lies a growing crisis that threatens not only the well-being of its workers but also the very foundation of the sector itself: the mental health epidemic among construction professionals. Workplace stress and substance abuse have become acute, with suicide rates on the rise.
In this blog post, we’ll explore macro trends in the construction sector, highlighting reasons behind the rise in the sector’s mental health challenges. We also provide examples of how industry stakeholders are rising to the occasion to improve mental health and well-being in the workplace. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. Now, let’s get started.
Construction Sector’s Impact on the US Economy
The construction industry’s significance to the U.S. economy cannot be overstated. As of 2023, the sector employs over 7.8 million workers, contributing approximately 4.5% to the nation’s GDP, 18.4% with a multiplier effect. Its economic impact extends beyond direct employment, influencing related industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and real estate. For example, each $1 in residential construction adds $3.08 to the US economy. Additionally, the construction industry’s health (Value of Construction Put in Place Survey, etc. is often viewed as a barometer for the overall economic climate, with its growth or decline signaling broader economic trends.
Rising Suicide Rates
Despite its economic significance, the construction industry faces a silent epidemic that is taking a toll on its workforce. Mental health issues, particularly depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, have become alarmingly prevalent among construction workers. The stigma surrounding mental health in this traditionally masculine industry has long prevented open discussion and seeking help, leading to a growing crisis. Approximately 83% of construction workers struggle with mental health issues.
One of the most stark and troubling indicators of the mental health crisis in construction is the alarmingly high suicide rate among workers in the industry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction group has the highest suicide rates of all industries nationwide. In 2021, the suicide rate for construction workers was 53.3 per 100,000 workers, compared to the national average of 17.3 per 100,000 across all industries. Construction workers are more than three times as likely to die by suicide as the general population.
These statistics paint a dire picture of the mental health landscape in construction, requiring the need for urgent action. To address this crisis effectively, it’s crucial to understand the underlying factors contributing to the high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in the industry. Let’s dive in.
Factors Contributing to the Mental Health Crisis
Accident Rates
One of the primary sources of workplace stress in construction is the inherently dangerous nature of the work. Construction consistently ranks among the most hazardous industries, with workers facing daily risks of falls, equipment accidents, and exposure to harmful substances. It also constantly ranks as the highest in workplace industries. Some key stats are worth noting.
- Construction and extraction have the second highest workplace deaths of all industries after transportation and material moving industries.
- Nearly 1 in 5 deaths among U.S. workers is in the construction industry.
- The “Fatal Four” leading causes of construction deaths (falls, being struck by equipment, being caught between objects, and electrocutions) account for 65% of all construction-related deaths.
Constant awareness of these dangers can create persistent fear, stress, and hypervigilance. These concerns take a significant toll on mental health over time.
Physical Demands
The physical demands of construction work also contribute to mental health challenges. Long hours of strenuous labor can lead to chronic pain and fatigue, which are closely linked to depression and anxiety. The wear and tear on the body can also result in injuries or disabilities that force workers out of their jobs, leading to financial stress and loss of identity. It’s estimated that roughly 10% of workers don’t return to work after a workplace injury.
Worker Shortage
The industry continues to grapple with a persistent worker shortage. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, the industry currently has a deficit of over 500,000 workers. Additionally, the average number of US construction workers is 42 years old, and over 40% of the industry workforce is expected to retire in the next six years. Employers are struggling to find qualified workers, leading to additional stress on the job.
Workplace Culture
The workplace culture in construction has traditionally been one that values toughness and stoicism, often at the expense of emotional well-being. Workers may feel pressured to hide their struggles with mental health for fear of being seen as weak or unreliable. This “tough guy” mentality can prevent individuals from seeking help when they need it most, exacerbating mental health issues and contributing to the high suicide rates in the industry.
Work-life balance is another significant challenge for many in the construction sector. The demanding nature of projects often requires long hours, overtime, and sometimes working away from home for extended periods. This can strain personal relationships, limit time for self-care and relaxation, and contribute to feelings of isolation and burnout.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is also a prevalent issue in the construction industry, often intertwined with mental health challenges. In addition to the leading rates of suicide, the industry also suffers from the leading fatalities from opioids. The physical demands of the job, combined with a culture that sometimes normalizes heavy drinking or drug use as a way to cope with stress, can lead to addiction problems. Substance abuse not only exacerbates mental health issues but also increases the risk of workplace accidents and further social and financial difficulties.
Tackling Mental Health in Construction
A recent Yale study pegged the overall economic cost of mental illness in the US at $282 billion annually. Addressing the mental health crisis in construction requires collaboration across the industry. Trade associations, unions, and large employers should work together to develop best practices, share resources, and advocate for policies that support mental health in the sector.
The Efficacy of Corporate Mental Health Interventions
Besides the programs and resources offered by OSHA, SAMHSA, and other federal and state agencies, the private sector continues to step up in addressing these issues. However, across many industries, not just construction, experts cast doubt on the benefits of mental health intervention programs. Recent studies from researchers at Oxford University suggest these programs have little to no benefit.
Strategies to Improve Mental Health and Well-Being
More broadly, other strategies that can help combat mental health issues and improve well-being in the sector include:
- Destigmatizing Mental Health: The first step in addressing the crisis is breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in the construction industry. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns that normalize discussions about mental health and encourage workers to seek help when needed. Industry leaders and respected figures speaking openly about their own experiences with mental health can be particularly impactful in changing attitudes.
- Improving Access to Mental Health Resources: Construction companies should prioritize providing comprehensive mental health benefits as part of their employee health plans. This should include access to counseling services, both in-person and through telehealth options, and coverage for mental health medications. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can be valuable resources, offering confidential counseling and support services.
- Training for Managers and Supervisors: Managers and supervisors play a crucial role in creating a supportive work environment. Company-wide training programs are required to help managers recognize signs of mental distress in their team members and provide appropriate support or referrals. This includes learning how to have sensitive conversations about mental health and understanding how to make reasonable accommodations for workers struggling with mental health issues.
- Promoting Work-Life Balance: Employers should strive to create policies that support a healthier work-life balance. This might include more flexible scheduling options, limits on overtime, and ensuring workers have adequate time off between projects. Encouraging workers to take their allotted vacation time and disconnect from work during off-hours can help reduce burnout and stress.
- Implementing Wellness Programs: Comprehensive wellness programs that address physical and mental health can be beneficial. These might include stress management workshops, mindfulness training, fitness programs, and nutrition education. Such initiatives not only support mental health directly but also promote overall well-being, which can positively affect mental health.
- Creating Supportive Work Environments: Fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes psychological safety is crucial. This involves creating an environment where workers feel comfortable speaking up about their concerns, including mental health issues, without fear of reprisal or stigma. Regular check-ins with employees, open-door policies, and anonymous feedback mechanisms can all contribute to a more supportive atmosphere.
- Addressing Substance Abuse: Given the high rates of substance abuse in the construction industry, it’s essential to implement comprehensive substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. This should include education about the risks of substance abuse, support for workers seeking treatment, and clear policies on drug and alcohol use in the workplace.
- Improving Job Security and Financial Wellness: While the construction industry’s cyclical nature can’t be eliminated, measures can be taken to improve workers’ job security and financial stability. These might include providing opportunities for skill development and cross-training to increase employability, offering financial planning resources, and working with unions to establish better worker protections during downturns.
- Enhancing Safety Measures: While safety is already a priority in construction, continual improvement in this area can help reduce the stress associated with workplace dangers. This includes physical safety measures and psychological safety, such as protection from bullying and harassment.
- Leveraging Technology: Technology can support mental health in the construction industry. Innovative Learning Management Systems can support internal teams in raising awareness of company-wide mental health and well-being. Mobile apps that provide mental health resources and anonymous reporting tools for workplace concerns can improve employee engagement. Wearable devices monitoring stress levels and telehealth platforms are examples of how technology can be leveraged to support worker well-being.
Employee Wellbeing Programs That Work
Employee wellness programs in the construction sector are gaining traction as companies recognize the unique challenges faced by their workforce. These initiatives go beyond standard health insurance, addressing the physical demands, mental stress, and safety concerns inherent in construction work. Successful programs often combine elements of physical fitness, mental health support, nutrition guidance, and safety training. They aim to reduce injuries, lower healthcare costs, and improve overall job satisfaction and productivity.
Many wellness programs have become essential in addressing an aging workforce, skilled labor shortages, and talent retention. Public sector and industry associations nationwide annually recognize companies for programs in corporate well-being. Well-known award programs include the Healthiest100 and the Well-being 100®. Successful employee wellness programs in the construction sector typically incorporate many of the abovementioned strategies. Some notable employee wellness programs include
McCarthy Holdings
McCarthy Holdings is the nation’s oldest privately held construction company with a 160-year history. It is also 100% employee-owned. The comprehensive McCarthy Health and Wellness Program offers employees and family members access to various resources to support their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. The program is designed to be customizable based on personal and family needs and goals. Regional wellness champions across the organization initially support the national program. More than 86 percent of employees participate in the voluntary program.
Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors
Hill & Wilkinson is a leading general contractor in the Texas area. The company constantly ranks as a leader in corporate well-being. The Dallas Business Journal has ranked it the healthiest place to work for mid-sized companies for three consecutive years. The company’s wellness program prioritizes long-term employee engagement with its wellness offering. It takes a holistic approach to employee quality of life by addressing well-being in various areas, including professional, social, physical, financial, and mental.
Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a $1.6 billion national construction management firm with offices in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Providence, Las Vegas, New Haven, Miami, Irvine, and West Springfield. The company is 100% employee-owned.
Shawmut is recognized as an industry leader in promoting mental health and well-being for its workers. It continually prioritizes employee well-being and recognizes the threat from mental health challenges industry-wide. In 2023, the company launched its Mental Health & Wellness Leadership Group, a cross-functional team to identify and implement programs and pathways to addressing mental health in the construction industry. Its 100% employee-owned structure creates an advantage in facilitating employee buy-in from various initiatives.
Some Progress but Concerns Remain
Finally, the mental health crisis in the U.S. construction industry is a complex issue that requires immediate and sustained attention. The high suicide rates and prevalence of mental health issues among construction workers not only represent a human tragedy but also pose a significant threat to the industry’s productivity and long-term sustainability. Unfortunately, trends appear to be moving in the wrong direction.
The construction sector can create a healthier, safer, and more resilient workforce by implementing comprehensive strategies to support mental health and well-being. Companies appear to be stepping up, but broader acceptance is needed. More importantly, the path forward requires commitment, investment, human resources, and a willingness to challenge long-standing norms within the industry. The potential benefits – in terms of saved lives, improved quality of life for workers, and enhanced industry performance – make this an investment worth making. As the construction industry continues to shape the physical landscape of the United States, it’s time to ensure that it can build a culture that values and supports the mental health of its most valuable asset: its people.
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