- 12 August 2022
Checking in on Mental Health
6 minute read
Where to send a mate if you think they’re doing it tough
It’s a tough topic to talk about and go through, but mental health is a big issue for a lot of tradies.
1 in 5 construction workers have experienced some kind of mental health condition in the past, so it’s not as uncommon as it might seem.
What’s genuinely worrying, however, is the fact that trades workers are more than twice as likely to commit suicide versus other Australians, and six times more likely to die this way than by a workplace accident.
So, what can you do when you think a mate or employee might be going through a tough time?
Offering support as a mate
It’s not quite the same as asking what someone thought of the game last weekend, but just letting a mate know you’re willing to listen will probably help more than you think.
One of the biggest barriers to people (especially men) getting help with mental health is not feeling like they have anyone to talk to, or fearing they might be judged as “weak”.
Start with simple questions like “How’ve you been doing lately?” or “I know (insert something that’s happening in their life). Anything you want to talk about?”
Sometimes, NOT talking can even be a huge help – why not just see if your mate wants to watch the next game at yours? Have a casual chat, order some food, and let them know you’re there if they need a hand.
Offering support as a business
Help to cut the stigma
Sometimes it takes seeing someone else talk about their problems for people to know how to bring their own up.
Get in touch with an organisation that can help with mentally healthy workplace training – often they can find someone like the people on your team to have a chat about their experience and stats that normalise the condition.
Commit to an open workplace
Start a discussion about work health and safety, discrimination, privacy and self-care – make talking about all of these things (not just mental health) in an open and honest way business as usual in your workplace.
When staff feel valued and listened to in their role, they’re more likely to feel they can talk about mental health issues as well.
You can also ensure everyone is educated on what is considered acceptable workplace behaviour. Define what things like workplace bullying look like, and think about starting a mentor program for new staff and apprentices.
Support your employees
Build your team’s skills and confidence by making sure they have the resources to manage their mental health.
Find an accredited provider of Workplace Rehabilitation services in your area – having someone your employees can access to help them stay at or return to work after a rough time will go a long way to helping them feel like there’s a path they can follow.
Why it’s worth creating a mentally healthy workplace
Businesses that actively promote good mental health not only have a better culture, they also tend to attract better talent and retain them for longer.
Australian businesses are estimated to lose over $10 billion every year by neglecting to address mental health.
Construction businesses that do take action have been shown to experience a return of around $2.50 for every $1 invested in better mental health initiatives. When your workers are happier and comfortable, they need less time off and are more likely to show initiative – it makes sense!
Like more information?
If you’d like more info, are struggling with a mental health issue or going through a tough patch yourself, there are plenty of resources online.
