October 9, 2024

World Mental Health Day: Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace

At DRG Interior and Building Solutions, we believe that a healthy, thriving work environment extends beyond physical safety—it includes mental well-being as well.

In honour of World Mental Health Day on 10th October, we are seizing the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues, particularly within the construction industry, and express our dedication to establishing a supportive, healthy workplace for all.

This year’s theme, Mental Health in the Workplace, holds significant relevance. In the construction industry, mental health challenges can often remain unnoticed or unaddressed due to the demanding nature of the job. That is why we believe that now is the ideal moment to rejuvenate our approach to mental health and well-being, creating a more encouraging and supportive work environment for our team, partners, and clients.

The construction sector is renowned for its physical demands, tight deadlines, and high-pressure environments. Unfortunately, this has resulted in construction workers facing heightened risks of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Indeed, mental health challenges have been recognised as a principal factor in absenteeism and even suicide within the industry.

Recent statistics reveal that male construction workers in the UK are three times more likely to take their own lives compared to the national average. This stark reality emphasises the urgent need for mental health awareness and support systems, not only at DRG but throughout the entire industry.

At DRG, we are dedicated to establishing a supportive and positive work environment where mental health is given prominence alongside physical health and safety. We recognise that a healthy team is a happy team—and a happy team leads to enhanced outcomes for both employees and clients.

To reinforce this commitment, we are proud to support the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, a vital organisation that offers financial and emotional assistance to construction workers and their families. Whether through their 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline or on-site mental health training programmes, the Lighthouse Club is leading the charge in enhancing the well-being of construction professionals across the UK. We encourage everyone to visit their website at lighthouseclub.org to discover more about the remarkable work they do and how you can support them.

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we urge all businesses within the construction industry and beyond to give priority to mental health. World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our mental well-being, particularly in sectors like construction, where pressures can be immense. We will continue working alongside organisations like the Lighthouse Club to champion mental wellness throughout our industry.