As we mark Stress Awareness Week 2025, it’s important to shine a light on an often-overlooked part of the construction industry. When most people think of construction, they picture hard hats, steel beams, and the sound of power tools. What they don’t always see is the mental load carried by the people behind the builds.
According to a recent study, construction workers are at a higher risk of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to many other sectors. However with a stigma around speaking out still sadly present, it’s not always something people feel comfortable sharing. Phrases like “tough it out” or “just get on with it” have echoed across sites for decades, making it harder for workers to raise their hands and say, “I’m struggling.”
Our industry is known for its energy, drive, and teamwork – but it also comes with unique challenges. Long hours, physically demanding work, changing schedules, and the pressure to meet tight deadlines can all contribute to increased stress levels. On top of that, the fast-paced nature of the job often means workers fast-paced nature of the job often means workers stay focused and push through challenges without taking time to check in with themselves or others.
Stress can look different for everyone. It might show up as fatigue, frustration, withdrawal, or even a dip in concentration. Being aware of these signs – both in ourselves and others – means we can step in early and check in.
Sometimes just asking, “You alright?” can open the door to a much-needed conversation.
At Foreman Homes, we’re proud to say that mental health isn’t just a side note here. It’s part of how we look after our people. That’s why we have Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) across our teams – trained team members who are here to listen, offer support, and guide colleagues to the help they might need.
Just like physical first aiders are there for a sprained ankle or a cut, our MHFAs are available when someone needs a confidential chat, a listening ear, or some support getting through a tough time.
