From job site to mindset: Confronting mental health challenges in construction

A successful construction project relies on the implementation of many key processes. Proper development, precise engineering, attention to safety, and a collaborative construction process, to name a few, but one key factor that may often be overlooked in the construction industry is the mental wellness of the men and women in the field.

Approximately 400,000 working days are lost in the industry each year due to mental health issues, according to the Construction Industry Training Board. One of the big reasons for this, according to RES Superintendent Bryce Hartman, is the industry stigma around vulnerability. “We’re conditioned to hide our struggles, to tough it out,” Hartman says. “But what if showing up authentically, even when it’s hard, could change everything?”

For Hartman, a focus on mental health is a key component of his role at RES. “I’m passionate about this because I come from a family that is deeply rooted in the construction industry. Multiple generations, both on my father’s and my mother’s side, passing the torch to where I am now,” he shared.  

Although his father, Chris Hartman, went most of his career without prioritising talking about his mental health, Bryce recalls his mother encouraging it. “My mother raised me to be open and honest about my mental health and to give others the space to talk about theirs,” he adds.

Upon entering the construction industry, Hartman noticed a trend: “Mental health takes a backseat in the minds of men and women in the construction industry.” And his observations are not unjustified. According to CDC data, construction workers are 63% more likely to die from suicide than the average American.

Not only is there a lack of conversation, but Hartman believes not talking about mental health is often linked to appearing tough. “Don’t get me wrong, tough men and women are what we absolutely need to get projects done. But what we can change is how we educate, speak, and implement positive mental health strategies in our company and in our lives,” Hartman says.

According to Hartman, the benefits of positive mental health don’t stop on a personal level either. He believes positive mental health can play a role in the success of a project and a successful team.

“Positive mental health can lead to higher productivity rates on teams or projects, can improve client relationships, employee retention, the health and well-being of our people, and lower incident rates,” Hartman says. “When everybody’s got their minds in the right place, it really shows in morale overall for the crew and for the productivity of the job and the overall success of the job.”

Adversely he says, “If mental health issues are not addressed, they can lead to more time off or employees quitting, which can lead to more days lost than what it would’ve taken just to address the issues.”

Hartman believes three main components can help break the stigma around mental health: defining vulnerability, leading by example, and receiving buy-in from leadership. While he’s noticed uneasiness among employees when encouraged to be vulnerable, he believes much of it comes down to a lack of understanding.

“Being vulnerable means having the guts to be real about what you’re thinking or feeling, even when it’s tough,” he describes. “It’s about admitting when you need help, sharing struggles, and being honest about mistakes instead of putting on a front. It’s about recognizing that no one has all the answers and that by being open, we can build better teams and stronger leaders,” he continues.”

For him, being vulnerable is not a weakness. Rather, it’s a strength that sites can use to build better leaders and a better construction site, and one he tries to encourage on-site. Hartman covers mental health as a topic during many of his all-hands meetings or tool-box safety talks.

“One way I show vulnerability on a job site, specifically around this time of year, as we’re leading into the holidays, is by giving examples of what I’m feeling or the way I’m coming to work if I’m in a bad mood that day – address it in the open,” Hartman says.

He points out that it’s not required to share personal experiences. The conversation can stay simple and to the point. “You just need the team to hear you and hear that you are willing to talk about the significance of keeping positive mental health,” he adds.

The third thing Hartman believes is integral to positive mental health and awareness on-site is the need for every leader in construction to be on board with this thought process.

“Advocating for mental health, awareness, and assistance is a top-down function in any organization or team. People need to see their leaders speak up about mental well-being,” Hartman stresses.

He believes open and honest conversations with everyone on-site can make someone feel comfortable enough to tell you they are struggling mentally or that they need assistance. He encourages leadership to be up to date on all resources offered to employees, including employee assistance programs, the suicide prevention hotline, substance abuse programs, and one of his personal favourites, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

In November, Hartman will speak to a crowd of construction leaders on the importance of mental health in the industry. The GroundBreak conference, held by construction software company Procore, is about “forging connections that strengthen the construction industry,” according to the Procore website.

Hartman’s talk will be “centered around shattering the stigma around vulnerability and education on what that actually means and how they can apply it to their lives and their crews,” he shares.

He hopes attendees can take actionable insights back to their respective teams and have a fresh approach to mental health. He sees value in covering the topic within the construction industry, just as much as any other construction-focused topics, praising Procore for “stepping up and setting the stage for somebody to come out and talk about this … it’s huge.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please remember that you’re not alone and support is available. Resources like Mental Health Helplines: International Directory (helpguide.org) can provide guidance and support. Together, we can break the stigma and prioritise mental well-being.

On our most recent episode of The Power Within, a podcast where we explore stories of excellence at RES, Superintendent Bryce Hartman shares the benefits of being vulnerable and how it can lead to a more successful construction site. Watch the full video of the podcast below.