But it’s a tricky problem to solve.
The construction industry is a predominantly male workforce, and statistics show that this is a cohort less likely to seek help when they are experiencing mental struggles.
“Pride” is an issue as is the perception of the need to be viewed as “manly”, says the MATES advocacy group.
Workplace wellness programs are also difficult to implement which is also due, in part, to the fact that teams can be spread over a number of job sites and are rarely in one place to initiate or continue sustained discussions.
Construction work tends to be transient, with many workers employed on a project basis that could last anywhere from weeks or months to a few years.
So what are the mental health implications of the pandemic on this group? And how are they best addressed as we move into a new world?
“Mental health has been a rising challenge globally over the last two years,” says Rotem Rotenberg, director of “Not Your Typical” builder Cobild.
“It has played out differently in construction as the work never really stopped.
“Our teams worked through uncertainty around the virus and are now experiencing the after effects of a reduced workforce and widespread material delays.” says Rotem Rotenberg, director of “Not Your Typical” builder Cobild.
Rotem Rotenberg, Cobild director Cobild
He says keeping people motivated, engaged and fulfilled over a long timeline is a great challenge, with projects that last more than 12 months leaving people fatigued and possibly also unsatisfied.
But the biggest pressure point across the construction industry right now is the inability to deliver to agreed timelines.
Rotenberg says this is completely out of builders’ hands as overseas workers are not back, creating staffing shortages and they face material delays across the board.
“This means everyone who is building is waiting for steel, timber, concrete, stone, fixtures and fittings – and we all needed it yesterday,” he says.
“That’s why a big focus for us is celebrating small wins and milestones. We need to create a safe space where people are enjoying what they do every day, not just waiting for the end result.
“We’re also thankful to work with clients whose values are aligned with ours which means they are completely understanding of the challenges we’re all facing – we present a united front.”
Cobild calls itself “Not Your typical” construction company.
It works on developments including multi-residential and luxury homes to commercial construction and fitouts, and has a strong focus on workplace health and wellbeing – which is why it’s been listed among Australia’s Great Places to Work for six years running.
“That’s why a big focus for us is celebrating small wins and milestones.”
— Rotem Rotenberg, Cobild director
In 2022, mental health is an anchor of its years-long approach to workplace wellbeing – in an industry not known for its tolerance of mental health challenges. Rotenberg says he tries to embody the attitudes he wants to see in his company.
“Mental health awareness is a big part of my life. I work one-on-one with a wellness coach, Nam Baldwin, and where I can I like to share those lessons with the team,” he says.
“Reading, exercise and meditating are three non-negotiables in my day, so we run holistic wellbeing courses throughout the year. We’ve found there’s an equal uptake on these from both the site and office teams.
“It’s really important that our teams feel supported, we hold a weekly all-teams meeting on a Monday morning at 8:08am, and daily check-ins to ensure our teams have the tools to set them up for success and all team leaders have completed a Mental Health First Aid certification.
“Each team member and their families also has free access to Uprise, a wellbeing app that offers free counselling, meditation and wellness seminars.”
With mental health a long term and critical issue in the construction industry, forward thinking builders are realising they must take the lead in supporting their teams.
Examples like Cobild champion change for the entire industry, pioneering new and sustainable ways of doing things – truly setting them apart.
