Key Takeaways

• Suicide rates are high in industries that demand a lot from their employees and don’t offer adequate resources aimed at mental health
• Work is a leading stressor for many and can often be the source of an individual’s mental health challenges
• Mental health ties into safety, productivity, and efficiency, making it a high-value investment with a strong return on investment
• Safety maturity is paramount in creating a healthy workplace culture that works to protect mental health
• Organizations are always best served working to prevent tragedies like suicide rather than responding to one after the fact

An Introduction to Mental Health

In high-stress industries, finding a balance between productivity and mental health is crucial.  Safety maturity, or the development of a safety-conscious culture, plays a key role. The more mature an organization’s safety standards, the more likely they are to maximize the productivity and satisfaction of their employees. Organizations should implement strategies aimed at helping mental health and preventing suicides, such as providing time for social engagement, ensuring managers can identify signs of distress, and fostering a culture where employees feel supported. The unfortunate reality is that failure to do so can lead to higher suicide rates, creating increasing pressure for organizations to reflect on existing policies, challenge conventional thinking, and act before it’s too late.

Why Should Employers Prioritize Mental Health Across the Workforce?

Mental health is often perceived as a personal issue, but its ripple effects can profoundly impact workplaces. When an organization fails to prioritize mental health, the risks aren't limited to individual suffering. Unchecked mental health challenges can manifest in:  

• Workplace accidents
• Decreased productivity
• In the worst cases, suicide

Imagine the devastating impact on morale, reputation, and even legal standing if a tragedy like suicide were to occur within a contractor network. It's not just about protecting a brand's reputation; it’s about recognizing the humanity behind every role and making well-being a priority.

For clients, ensuring that suppliers and contractors nurture mentally healthy environments is essential to saving lives, mitigating risks, achieving project success, and fostering long-term partnerships. Prioritizing mental health isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes; it’s about protecting lives and building a more resilient workforce.

Mental Health by the Numbers

Assuming that mental health doesn’t impact productivity would be naïve. According to the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost annually due to mental illness, with the cost to the global economy expected to rise to $16 trillion by 2030. A staggering 800,000 people commit suicide each year, with the fallout impacting millions of lives.

Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health and American Psychological Association help illuminate the widespread nature of mental health challenges in the workforce:

• Over 20% of U.S. adults live with a mental illness
• Nearly 20% had an anxiety disorder in the past year
• 34% of 18–29-year-old employees reportedly considered quitting due to their job’s impact on their mental health
• That number only slightly decreases to 28% for 30–49-year-old employees
• 43% of workers reported worrying that discussing mental health challenges would harm their standing in the company

Many have started to see the bigger picture — mental health is health. Depression may lead to an increase in both injuries and absenteeism. At the same time, injured workers are treated for depression at a higher rate than non-injured workers. Prioritizing mental health signals to employees — both current and future — that their safety matters. And, in addition to saving lives, it can also improve safety metrics, productivity, and retention rates.

Recognizing High-Risk Demographics: The Construction Industry at the Forefront

The construction industry is one of the most affected by mental health challenges and suicide rates. In many countries, construction workers face a suicide rate significantly higher than the national average.  

• In the United States, construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population
• In Australia, male construction workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than by a workplace accident
• In the UK, more than two construction workers take their lives each day, making it the leading industry for suicides

Several factors contribute to these alarming statistics including job strain, long hours, isolation, job insecurity, and the physically demanding nature of the work. Additionally, the culture in construction often emphasizes stoicism and toughness, discouraging workers from speaking up about their mental health struggles.

Five Best Practices to Prioritize Mental Health in Your Organization

Becoming an organization with advanced safety maturity takes time, buy-in, and effort. The reward is worth it, as safety, productivity, and even revenue can increase. Investing in mental health is far from a waste, with every $1 invested yielding a $4 return, and early intervention offering even higher rates of return. These five best practices can help create an environment where employees feel cared for, and their mental health is protected.

1. Understanding the Legislative Landscape
   In Australia, new legislation around psychosocial hazards has shifted how organizations address workplace mental health. This legislation requires employers to identify and manage psychosocial risks like job insecurity, low job control, and workplace stressors. By embedding these considerations into audits and safety protocols, organizations are better equipped to create safer environments that reduce stress and enhance employee well-being.

2. Building a Mental Health-Supportive Culture
   Creating a culture that prioritizes mental health is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every organization, especially those operating on a global scale, must navigate cultural nuances and regional differences in mental health stigmas. However, certain universal principles can guide companies in their efforts to build an inclusive, supportive environment. Fostering open dialogue about mental health through regular check-ins, anonymous feedback loops, and virtual town halls can normalize conversations around mental health.

3. Empowering Employees Through Mental Health Champions & Localized Resources
   Appointing mental health champions (MHCs), who receive specialized training to provide support, raise awareness, and foster an environment of openness around mental health, can play a vital role in preventing suicides. Equipped to identify signs of distress and offer guidance, MHCs ensure that support is accessible and timely. Mental health programs, resources, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) should be tailored to fit local cultural norms and stigmas to maximize effectiveness.  

4. Creating Small but Mighty Teams
   Not every tactic needs to be at the organizational level. Many may feel comfortable talking about mental health to a teammate or boss but not the entire organization. One tactic for overcoming this is to create a series of regular team meetings that focus on well-being and "checking in" sessions, or participating in awareness days like Australia’s R U OK?Day. These approaches not only promote mental health but also contribute to better productivity by creating a positive workplace environment.

5. Networking Outside Your Organization
   Despite best efforts, it’s natural to be met with resistance or hesitation by some to participate in mental health programs or discussions at work. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t more that can be offered to employees who may want an outlet outside of work. Programs like "Mates in Mining" or "Mates in Construction" in Australia encourage peer support and help normalize mental health discussions.

The Collective Responsibility for Mental Health Awareness

September is an important month for mental health. World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10, with R U OK?Day 2024 being held in Australia on September 12. Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility that extends beyond individual employees to encompass entire organizations and industries. By fostering a culture of support, empowering employees, and proactively addressing mental health challenges, we can create a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment for everyone.

When was the last time your organization evaluated your mental health awareness programs? Have you also thought through how your supplier network manages mental health? Contractors or subcontractors who aren’t safeguarding mental health open you up to:

• Tragic mental health incidents, including suicide
• Project delays
• Fines or government investigations
• Reputational damage

To find out how you can gain visibility and control over the safety and compliance of your contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, workers, and worksites, talk to an Avetta expert. Avetta is dedicated to helping employers every day ensure they are following safety guidelines that protect workers from physical and mental harm. Visit www.avetta.com.

Mental Health Resources

If you or a loved one are considering suicide, please visit the following resources:

• ‍World Suicide Prevention Day
• ‍R U OK?Day (Australia)