Mental Health at the forefront…

Mental health is a global issue and 1 in 4 people experience poor mental health each year. Over the past couple of years organisations have become more aware of the impact poor mental health can have on their workforce but we need to ensure the next generation of workers are well equipped to look after their mental wellbeing and have awareness of poor mental health in their colleagues.

In order for the industry to improve its productivity and innovation we must first look at the people in our workforce and ensure their health and safety is at the forefront. CIOB members can be the leaders in making that happen. 

A study published by CIOB in 2020 titled ‘Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment’ found 87% of workers had experienced anxiety over the past year, 70% experienced depression and 26% had suicidal thoughts at least once in the past year. Highlighting a need to properly address mental health in the industry. 

Construction continues to see skills shortages and so it is important, if we want to recruit and retain the new talent that we look to support their mental health throughout their education and into the workplace. 

Those who are coming through the education system will know that it is a stressful journey and Charles Egbu, Past President of CIOB and Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University recognised the important role universities and educators can play for building the resilience of young people and helping them cope in a challenging work environment. You can read Charles Egbu’s blog here: Making mental health the focus of my Presidency | The Chartered Institute of Building (ciob.org) 

CIOB continues to call for better mental health policies in the workplace and for individuals to be trained in mental health awareness and coping strategies to use both at work and at home. In October 2020, CIOB launched a free massive open online course (MOOC) entitled ‘Mental Health in Construction’ which actively encourages discourse from around the globe. On the course, participants will learn to understand signs and symptoms of poor mental health and understand how to manage their own mental wellbeing as well as that of their colleagues. They’ll hear from people in the industry about how to change construction’s culture to end the stigma around mental health. In addition to this, CIOB is committed to looking after its members through CIOB Assist. CIOB Assist is there for members to access financial, personal and wellbeing support, which is free and confidential. To find out more click here: CIOB Assist