Mental Health is a huge issue for the sector. In the UK it is reported:
- 91% have felt overwhelmed
- 48% are currently taking time off due to unmanageable stress
- 26% have experienced suicidal thoughts
Our top pointers are:
- Ensure workload is manageable, work life balances are maintained, it is not a hostile culturet & managers are trained should issues arise
- Ensure managers have regular check ins to make it easier to voice any concerns & discuss workload, stress and mental health
- Provide an anonymised Employee Feedback suggestion box so if your team want to raise concerns privately,
- Provide a Employee Assistance Programme, check out Health Assured or Spill
- Raise awareness of Mental Health internally & have a policy in place that sets out the support you offer
- Money concerns can have a huge impact, so ensure Bonuses, Pay Rises & Pay Grades are transparent, Address concerns of job insecurity as appropriate and the Cost of Living Crisis – some businesses have provided enhanced pay reviews, & additional allowances. You could offer retail discounts & savings schemes to see money go further & provide Financial Literacy training
- Offer a quarterly Mental Health Day to help decompress
- Check in more frequently with those travelling & often away from home. They might be struggling without their family or support network
- Ensure those on holiday or leave get to relax. Provide a way for people to purchase annual leave if needed
- Provide a Gym or Wellness allowance to encourage your team to relax, let off steam and get some endorphins & dopamine
- Bring in CSR Days. Giving back is proven to increase feel-good hormones and reduces cortisol levels
- Review your Sick Policy to ensure your team can take time off as needed & don’t feel pressured to work whilst poorly
- Almost 100% of our team have been trained as Mental Health First Aiders. Our trainer, Ian Phillips has experience across the Construction Sector and is contactable at ian@workingatwellbeing.com.
If you have a question please email questions@richmond-capital.co.uk