Author: Alex Peel

According to recent research, 49% of construction workers experience work-related stress.¹ The industry now has the highest rates of employee burnout in the UK², and many experts suggest serious changes are needed before it’s too late.

This is exactly why International Stress Awareness Week is so vital. It helps shed light on the need for radical change in the industry’s workplace cultures. And at Welfare Hire, we believe it is our responsibility to support contractors in making this change happen. 

In this article, we explore three ways our innovative mobile welfare units help reduce stress and transform the onsite environment.

1. More space for workers

The construction site is a tough environment, and many workers feel they don’t have the time or space to let off steam in a healthy way. This leads to pent up frustrations and anxiety; combined with physically gruelling work and long shifts, the result can be extreme stress.

Giving workers more space to decompress – and communicate with each other safely – is therefore vital. Our X-Eco10 mobile welfare units provide 20% more internal space than other welfare units, fitting up to 10 people. They are also fitted with comfortable seating, to allow workers to rest properly during their downtime.

2. Improved facilities

Access to great facilities is vital to feeling in control at work. Workers should always feel secure in the knowledge that they can stay clean; have privacy when necessary; and get the provisions they need to stay alert and happy at work.

The X-Eco10 features canteen facilities with controlled heating, mains power and USB ports to create a better environment for colleague wellbeing. There is also on-demand hot running water; separate drying and changing rooms; and a fully functioning work office.

3. Signalling care

Much of the stress that construction workers feel is a result not just of workplace conditions, but of feeling that their wellbeing is not sufficiently valued. Workers feel they cannot talk openly about their struggles, and that is because they are often being sent the wrong signals.

While relatively straightforward to implement, things like temporary traffic lights, signs and Investing in better welfare units may seem like a relatively small step. But introducing facilities specifically designed to create a more open and positive environment for them onsite unquestionably shows that you value their wellbeing.

Reducing stress and increasing your bottom line

While tackling workplace stress is vital, there is also a clear business case for investing in better welfare. 

55% of all absenteeism is caused by work-related mental health problems.³ Between 2017-18, stressful conditions resulted in 400,000 lost days of work in the construction industry.⁴

So reducing workplace stress and increasing mental wellbeing will not only make your employees happier – it will lead to increased productivity and a more positive workplace culture.