In today’s interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sofia Khaira, a specialist in diversity, equity, and inclusion, who is dedicated to helping businesses enhance their talent management and development practices. Sofia, who serves as an HR expert, will be discussing a recent survey conducted by St John Ambulance that focuses on mental health challenges within the construction industry.
Can you briefly describe the recent survey conducted by St John Ambulance? What was the primary aim of this research?
The survey conducted by St John Ambulance involved 500 construction workers and aimed to uncover the mental health challenges faced by individuals in this industry. The primary goal was to highlight the difficulties workers experience when discussing mental health issues and to advocate for better mental health support within the sector.
What percentage of builders admitted giving a different reason for taking time off work rather than stating mental health issues?
According to the survey, 71% of builders admitted they gave their employer a different reason for taking time off, opting to mention a physical illness rather than revealing it was due to mental health issues.
How many builders, according to the survey, would rather quit their job than talk about their mental health struggles at work?
Nearly 39% of the builders surveyed expressed that they would rather quit their job than discuss their mental health struggles with someone at work.
What were the common states described by the builders regarding their mental health?
Approximately 31% of the builders described their current mental health state as “struggling,” “overwhelmed,” or even “suicidal.”
How many builders reported suffering a mental health challenge at some point in their career?
An overwhelming 82% of builders reported that they had experienced a mental health challenge at some point during their career in the construction industry.
What portion of builders took more than five sick days due to mental health issues?
The survey found that more than a fifth, or 21%, of builders had taken more than five sick days due to mental health issues.
How did current levels of stress and anxiety impact their work performance according to the respondents?
Nearly half of the respondents, around 48%, indicated that their current levels of stress and anxiety were negatively affecting their work performance.
Why did nearly half of the respondents worry about sharing their mental health struggles?
Nearly half worried about sharing their mental health struggles because they feared it would cause them to lose the trust and respect of their colleagues for not just “putting on a brave face.”
What reasons did builders give for not opening up about their mental health issues?
Builders cited several reasons for not opening up about mental health issues, including feeling that it would let the team down (22%), embarrassment (20%), and fear of being laughed at (14%).
What percentage of builders said they would be more likely to share their problems if there was a trained mental health first aider on site?
More than half of the builders, 54%, mentioned that they would be more likely to share their problems if there was a trained mental health first aider on site.
How many respondents desired more support from their employer regarding mental health?
Sixty percent of respondents expressed the desire for their employer to do more to support mental health in the workplace.
How do employers view the potential impact of having mental health first aiders in the workplace?
Employers generally viewed the presence of mental health first aiders positively, with 90% agreeing that it would reduce absenteeism and 85% believing it would help in reducing staff turnover.
What portion of employers currently allocate less than 6% of their budget to employee mental health and wellbeing?
According to the survey, 44% of employers currently dedicate less than 6% of their budget to employee mental health and wellbeing.
What new initiative did St John Ambulance launch to address mental health in the construction sector?
St John Ambulance has launched a new mental health first aid course specifically aimed at the construction sector to address and support mental health needs.
Can you explain the purpose behind the ‘Hi Vis Stress Vests’ introduced by St John Ambulance?
The ‘Hi Vis Stress Vests’ are designed to bring visibility to the mental health struggles that many builders face but may not feel comfortable discussing. The vests feature statements like “My debt keeps me awake at night” to express the often hidden mental distress.
What steps does Lisa Sharman suggest HR leaders take to improve mental health initiatives in the workplace?
Lisa Sharman suggests that HR leaders should invest in proactive initiatives, such as face-to-face training, which empower employees to speak openly and confidently about their mental health.
How does integrating mental health first aid into training benefit organizations according to the research findings?
Integrating mental health first aid into training is shown to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment and provides tangible benefits like improved employee retention and reduced sickness rates.
Is there anything else you think is important for our readers to know about addressing mental health challenges in the construction industry?
It’s key to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. Ensuring that there is adequate support, such as trained mental health first aiders and open communication channels, can significantly improve the well-being and productivity of employees in the construction industry.
How can our readers access the courses and resources offered by St John Ambulance?
Readers can access the courses and resources offered by St John Ambulance by visiting their official website, where they can find more information on the available training programs and support services for mental health in the workplace.
