April marks Stress Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to helping individuals and businesses recognise and reduce the signs and impact of stress.
The initiative is led by the Stress Management Society, a non-profit organisation that provides guidance and resources aimed at improving wellbeing both at work and in day-to-day life.
Construction, in particular, is an industry in which mental health challenges have been well documented, and it sadly persists as a key issue that the industry needs to do more to combat.
Last year, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) released its Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment report, revealing that over half of respondents who were working in the construction sector were left feeling stressed on a daily or weekly basis.
Over the course of the previous year, the report also found that 83% of workers had experienced anxiety, 90% had felt fatigued and and 60% had experienced depression.
The theme for this year’s Stress Awareness Month is Be The Change; a powerful call for individuals to stand up and take action, and one that construction bosses must prioritise.
Calls for mental health support in construction
New research conducted by workplace health specialists Lime Health, cited by Health & Safety Matters, has highlighted a desire amongst construction workers for better mental health support.
37% of those surveyed listed mental health support as a workplace benefit that they feel would make a marked difference to their lives.
Alarmingly, the research also found that 67% of construction workers feel pressure to conceal illness at work. When asked why, poor access to support (20%) and stigma (19%) were given as two of the main reasons.
What are the causes of poor mental health in construction?
There are several factors that can impact the mental health of those working in construction.
Being a physically demanding sector can naturally lead to more injuries. Along with the physical toll, these injuries can lead to forced time off and lost earnings.
Given the industry’s ongoing skills shortages, high workloads and tight deadlines can also be common causes for stress amongst tradespeople. With a substantial number of workers going on to set up their own businesses, there are added pressures that come with this, too.
Another thing to consider is that traditionally, men are less likely to seek support when it comes to their mental health, and being a male-dominated industry, this can be a major contributing factor.
What is being done to support wellbeing in construction?
Construction Leadership Council share Mental Health Project update
Last year, following July’s Health, Safety and Well-Being Summit, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) shared details of its Mental Health Project. In February 2026, the CLC announced that it had made ‘significant progress’ on the project following a series of regional focus groups and public consultation.
Between now and July, the CLC says it will be analysing the consultation responses with key stakeholders and experts, before developing a plan of action for the industry and writing a Joint Code of Practice that will seek to achieve ‘sustainable long-term change’.
Mates in Mind
In 2017, the Health in Construction Leadership Group (HCLG) launched Mates in Mind, a charity that seeks to improve workplace mental health and wellbeing, particularly in higher-risk sectors like construction. Working alongside businesses, they provide employers with the tools needed to support their teams.
Support resources from The Lighthouse Charity
Now in its 70th year, The Lighthouse Charity, which offers a range of free support services, including a helpline, web chat and text service, is also available to anyone in the construction industry. You can find a full list of resources here.