A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge has revealed that at least 70% of people in the construction industry report feeling stressed at work, and this not only has a negative impact on job performance but also personal life. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to combat workplace stress.
The construction industry is the largest in the world and is currently facing a mental health crisis. In the UK, construction employees are almost four times more likely to take their own lives compared to workers in other sectors. Poor mental health is a common experience in the construction sector and has significant implications. Job stress is estimated to cost the UK economy a staggering £28 billion annually, while in the United States and other parts of the world, the financial toll is also high. Stress can lead to decreased productivity, increased sickness, and higher employee turnover. If left unmanaged, chronic stress poses serious risks to physical and mental health and can lead to chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.
The study, published in the Healthcare journal, gathered data from participants across 12 UK employers in the construction industry, the largest global economy industry, accounting for 13% of the world’s GDP. Key findings indicate that 70% of people reported their jobs as being either moderately stressful, very stressful, or extremely stressful. 80% of people signalled that work stress can negatively impact their jobs, and 75% indicated that stress can negatively impact their personal lives. The major sources of stress were found to be high workloads, tight deadlines, and situations not being under one’s control. Responsibility for the safety of others emerged as another stressor.
Dr Olivia Remes, co-author and a mental health researcher at the Cambridge Laing O’Rourke Centre at the Department of Engineering, emphasised the importance of effective coping mechanisms: “Opening up to family, friends, or colleagues about workplace stress can be helpful. Having a robust support network acts as a buffer against stress and is beneficial for mental health.”
Some of the participants coped with the stress by “blocking it out” or keeping it to themselves. Dr Olivia Remes explains, “Blocking out or bottling up stressful problems may lead to feelings of helplessness and other negative consequences. Instead, connecting with supportive others during stressful times can be more effective. In fact, self-disclosure and sharing your thoughts with a close family member, friend or colleague has been linked to greater resilience.”
Co-author Rachel Blair Winkler, a University of Cambridge Construction Engineering Masters alumna and Executive MBA candidate at Oxford University advised on the necessity of tailored programmes that consider the individual, as well as the context. “It’s essential to consider various professional responsibilities, environmental conditions, and organisational cultures when developing wellbeing initiatives. This will be one of the next steps in the research,” she stated.
As workplace stress continues to rise, this study underscores the pressing need for construction organisations to prioritise mental health and implement effective strategies to support their employees. Taking decisive action in this area means creating a healthier work environment that significantly contributes to the UK’s economic growth.