The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health:
Construction workers often face unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being. The demanding nature of their work, long hours, high-pressure deadlines, and physical exertion can take a toll on their mental health. However, due to the prevailing stigma surrounding mental health, many workers suffer in silence, or are hesitant to seek help or discuss their struggles with colleagues or managers.
The Importance of Open Conversations:
Encouraging open conversations about mental health is a critical first step toward breaking the stigma. By fostering an environment where individuals feel safe and supported, we can create a culture that values mental well-being as much as physical health. Flexi Group UK recognises the importance of dialogue and promotes a workplace where employees are encouraged to discuss their mental health concerns openly.
Supporting Employees:
Flexi Group UK acknowledges the responsibility it holds in ensuring the mental well-being of its workforce. By providing a healthy work-life balance and opportunities for personal and professional development, the company demonstrates its commitment to supporting its employees. Line managers and supervisors play a crucial role in promoting effective people management, creating an atmosphere of trust, and being attentive to their team members’ mental health needs.
Monitoring and Awareness:
Regularly monitoring employee mental health and well-being is key to identifying potential issues early on. By implementing routine check-ins, Flexi Group UK demonstrates a proactive approach to mental health support. Additionally, raising awareness about mental health and providing education and training programs for employees helps reduce the stigma and fosters a greater understanding of mental health challenges.
Tailored Support and Access to Help:
Flexi Group UK understands that mental health support should be tailored to individual needs. Offering in-house mental health resources, such as counselling services and access to external clinical help when necessary, ensures that employees receive the support they require. By providing these resources and actively signposting them, the company reinforces the message that seeking help is not only accepted but encouraged.
Collaborative Efforts for Change:
Flexi Group UK recognises that addressing mental health challenges in the construction industry requires collaborative efforts. Working alongside partners, sector leaders, and a growing community of Supporters, the company strives to deliver effective change throughout the UK. By sharing knowledge, skills, and resources, we can raise awareness, improve understanding, and tackle the stigma of mental ill-health within the industry.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, it is essential to reflect on the state of mental health within the construction industry and take proactive steps toward change. Flexi Group UK stands committed to prioritising mental health by encouraging open conversations, supporting employees, monitoring well-being, promoting awareness, and offering tailored support. Together, we can eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a construction industry that values the well-being of its workforce. Let us work together to ensure that no one suffers in silence and that mental health becomes an integral part of every conversation, workplace, and community.
Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important. But starting a conversation isn’t always easy. Whether you’d like to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, or check-in with someone you care about, here are some tips that can help:
Talking about your mental health:
1. Choose someone you trust to talk to
This might be a friend, family member or a colleague. Or you might be more comfortable talking to someone you don’t know, for example, through a support helpline. It can help to do a pros and cons list about talking to someone.
2. Think about the best place to talk
It’s important to choose a place where you feel comfortable enough to open-up. You might want to choose somewhere private where you’re less likely to be disturbed. You also might want to talk while you do an activity, like walking together.
3. Prepare yourself for their reaction
Hopefully, you will have a good experience when you open-up to someone. But there’s a chance that they may not react in the way you hope. This may be for different reasons, like they may be worried or not fully understand at first. If that’s the case, try to give them time to process what you’ve told them. It might help to give them information to read to help them understand. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself and practise self-care.
Talking to someone about their mental health:
1. Find a good space to talk without distractions
If you’re worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. Make sure to give them your full attention. It might help to switch off your phone.
2. Listen and ask questions
Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you’re actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you’re actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they’re saying, and not changing the subject.
3. Ask how you can help
Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, help around the house, or just for you to keep things normal and chat about what’s going on in your life.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in this blog mental health support is available. Please see the links below for areas of support
