Supporting Your Crew’s Mental Health in Tough Times
The construction industry in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland has been going through some challenging times. With rising costs, project delays, and increasing pressure, it’s no surprise that mental health is becoming a serious concern for many workers. As a builder or tradie, you play a key role in not only keeping projects on track but also ensuring that your crew is mentally well. Poor mental health can lead to serious issues like accidents, lower productivity, and even a negative impact on your business.
7 Ways to help deal with mental health and support your crew
Recognise the Signs
It’s important to know the signs that someone might be struggling. These can include:
- Changes in mood (anger, sadness, or withdrawal)
- Lack of focus or making more mistakes than usual
- Increased absences or lateness
- Talking about feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
If you notice any of these signs in a team member, it might be time to check in with them.
Encourage Open Communication
Create a work environment where your crew feels comfortable talking about mental health. This can be as simple as letting them know it’s okay to ask for help if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Consider scheduling regular check-ins, where workers can share how they’re feeling and discuss any problems.
When crew members feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to stay motivated and perform well.
Provide Access to Resources
Many tradies may not know where to turn when they’re struggling with mental health. Providing them with information about resources, such as helplines, counsellors, or mental health programs, can make a big difference. In Australia, organisations like Mates in Construction offer valuable support tailored to workers in the building industry.
Having these resources on hand shows your team you care about their wellbeing.
Lead by Example
As the person in charge, your attitude towards mental health matters. Make it clear that taking care of mental health is just as important as physical safety on the job. By setting a positive example—such as taking breaks, managing stress, and being open about your own struggles when appropriate—you encourage your crew to do the same.
When your workers see you prioritising mental health, they’ll be more likely to follow suit.
Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Long hours and tight deadlines are common in the construction industry, but constantly working overtime can lead to burnout. Encourage your crew to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal time. Allow for regular breaks and discourage unnecessary overtime whenever possible.
A crew that is rested and recharged will work better and stay safer on site.
Foster Team Support
A crew that works well together can be a strong support network for each other. Encourage teamwork and make sure everyone feels included. When crew members feel they can rely on each other, it builds a sense of camaraderie, which can help reduce stress.
Organising social activities outside of work can also strengthen these bonds and improve morale.
Understand the Business Impact
Mental health is not just a personal issue—it can affect your business too. When workers are mentally unwell, it can lead to mistakes, accidents, and absenteeism. This can slow down projects, increase costs, and harm your reputation. By prioritising mental health, you’re investing in a more productive and safer workplace.
Taking steps to support your crew’s mental health can result in a happier, more efficient team, which benefits your business in the long run.
We’ve got your back.
In these tough times, supporting your crew’s mental health is more important than ever. By recognising the signs of mental health struggles, encouraging open communication, and providing access to resources, you can create a safer, more supportive work environment. Ultimately, taking care of your team’s wellbeing is an investment in the success of your business.
By leading with compassion and understanding, you can help your crew navigate these challenging times while keeping your business running smoothly. We know many of our members are struggling right now, and a big part of TAG is community – so if you ever feel alone or just want to have a chat we’re here for you.
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