Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Across the construction industry, conversations around mental health are often left behind. Long hours, physical demands and a traditionally tough-it-out culture have created a challenging environment where many workers suffer in silence.

This October, as we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, Glendining Signs is proud to stand with the construction industry to break that silence. We’re more than just a sign supplier. We’re a partner to the people on-site and we believe that every construction site should be a place where mental health is recognised, supported and openly discussed.

Why Mental Health in Construction Matters

The statistics are sobering. Construction consistently ranks as one of the industries with the highest rates of work-related stress, depression and even suicide. A 2023 report from the Office for National Statistics found that construction workers are nearly three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.

But this isn’t just about statistics, it’s about people. Colleagues. Friends. Family members. And it’s time we changed the narrative.

While health and safety signage on construction sites has helped protect workers from physical harm for decades, we now need the same level of awareness and action when it comes to mental wellbeing.

What We’re Doing at Glendining Signs

At Glendining Signs, we’re committed to creating a workplace where mental health is taken seriously, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but every day. We’ve implemented several initiatives to support our own team and promote a culture of openness, compassion and resilience.

• MHFA England Training Courses: Several members of our team have completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England training. These courses equip individuals with the skills to spot the signs of mental health issues, approach conversations with sensitivity and direct colleagues to appropriate support. Having trained Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace creates a vital safety net, one that’s just as important as a first aid kit or fire extinguisher.
• Wellbeing Room: Our dedicated wellbeing space gives employees a quiet area to decompress, reflect or simply take a few moments away from the noise. This small, peaceful room acts as a physical reminder that mental health is always a priority.
• Flexible Working: We recognise that everyone has a life outside of work: families to care for, challenges to manage and health to maintain. Our flexible working arrangements support our employees in balancing their responsibilities, reducing stress and promoting long-term wellbeing.
• Team Building Events: Community and connection are vital to mental health. That’s why we regularly run team-building events to bring our staff together, strengthen relationships and make space for informal support and conversation.
• Employee Benefits Scheme with 24-Hour Support Line: All employees have access to a confidential, round-the-clock support and advice line as part of our employee benefits package. Whether it’s work-related stress, financial concerns or personal struggles; help is always available.

Did you know? Glendining Signs proudly supports The Lighthouse Charity, ensuring our construction community can easily access the support they need.

Mental Health Support for the Industry

We know that signs and labels might seem small, but in the right place, at the right time, they can make a huge difference. That’s why we’ve developed a range of clear, bold mental health signage specifically for businesses.

These products are designed to promote awareness, encourage open conversations and direct workers toward support, whether it’s on-site Mental Health First Aiders or national helplines.

•  Mental Health Matters Poster: A bold, easy-to-read poster reminding workers that mental health is just as important as physical safety. Ideal for site offices, break rooms and welfare areas.
• Talk to a Mental Health First Aider – QuickFit Sign: Perfect for identifying trained Mental Health First Aiders. Quick to install and hard to miss.
• Know Where to Get Mental Health First Aid – QuickFit Sign: Helps direct workers to the right person or location for support, reducing barriers to getting help.
• Mental Health First Aider Helmet Label: A simple, effective way to help people identify Mental Health First Aiders on site - even in a crowd.