Construction’s mental health crisis continues despite increased support

CIOB this week released its updated report, Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025, which highlights the current state of mental health in the industry, in addition to presenting what work factors are contributing the most towards poor mental wellbeing. 

The goal of this report is to make the case for industry to start taking mental health seriously and within the document we have provided case studies, free resources, and a summary of actions that businesses of all different sizes can take forward as proactive steps. 

Report findings

Despite significant improvements in the safety of the construction workforce over recent years, mental health and wellbeing remains at crisis levels for workers, particularly for men. Data from the ONS have found male construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to those working in other industries. With our research highlighting 28% of respondents working in the industry experiencing suicidal thoughts at least once over the past year. 

Sadly, workers in construction are not inclined to reach out for help and will instead suffer in silence until it is too much to handle. The statistic on suicide is one of many that must be overturned for the sake of those working in the construction sector, their families, their friends, their colleagues and wider society.

Addressing mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry will take greater consideration. This is partly due to the industry’s heavy focus on subcontracting, and the diversity of SMEs within the supply chain – both of which make it harder to identify those that may be suffering from poor mental health. The culture of the industry and the working environment also plays a part in contributing to poor mental health and may mask any issues. This is something that is explored within CIOB’s report. 

Key findings from the report show high levels of poor mental health with 94% experiencing stress over the past year, 83% experiencing anxiety and 60% experiencing depression. Factors contributing towards poor mental health were around having too much work and having unrealistic deadlines – something that is very commonplace within the industry. The research also found issues around communication, planning and staffing were also factors for contributing towards high levels of stress. 

Key recommendations 

CIOB has made a series of recommendations, challenging companies to achieve better outcomes in mental wellbeing for their employees. 

Firstly, we would like to see more company leaders commit their business to the Mental Health at Work Commitment, which is a simple framework that builds off the Thriving at Work standards. 

The research shows us employees want 1-1 meetings with their managers (regardless of job role). More companies need to mandate monthly 1-1 check-in meetings between managers and their direct reports that focus on mental wellbeing, fatigue management plans, and induction processes that promote integration and the importance of wellbeing to new staff.

We also want to encourage managers to receive better training in identifying and managing poor mental health. Even for micro businesses, there are free webinars online to help people better equip themselves with an understanding of mental health issues. Just one conversation could make a world of difference to someone.

You can access the full report here: Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025