Half of outdoor workers say there is pressure in their industry to push through stress rather than talk about it, according to new research highlighting ongoing mental health stigma across outdoor industries such as construction, utilities, emergency services, events, and more.
The study released for Stress Awareness Month this April found that the majority of outdoor workers (57%) feel there is an expectation to continue working through stress, instead of speaking up or seeking support. More than half (51%) also said they avoid seeking help because they feel they should be able to handle stress themselves.
The research by Monster-Mesh, a leading event and construction branding specialist, suggests that workplace culture may be preventing many outdoor workers from talking openly about stress and mental health. Over four in ten (43%) outdoor workers believe there is still a stigma around mental health in their industry, while a similar number (42%) say they do not feel comfortable speaking to their manager, colleagues or peers about stress or mental health concerns.
Mark McLennan, Founder at Monster-Mesh said,
“General stress levels among outdoor workers are high, with almost three-quarters admitting that they currently have moderate to very high stress levels at work. This workplace stress is affecting individuals’ well-being, with many reporting symptoms linked to stress - the most common being anxiety, physical exhaustion, and trouble sleeping. Whilst others reported strained relationships, reduced productivity, time off work, and depression.
“We often think about the physical safety of workers, using protective and preventative equipment and implementing training and processes; however, mental health is just as important. Yet, over a third of outdoor workers (39%) feel that mental health is not taken as seriously as physical health in their industry.”
What support is available?
Despite these challenges, relatively few workers are accessing formal support either. The research found that almost a third of outdoor workers do not have employer-provided mental health support, while others are unsure if support is available or choose not to use it. This has resulted in only around a quarter of outdoor workers using workplace mental health support.
This is particularly relevant in male-dominated industries such as construction, agriculture, and utilities, where talking about mental health can still be difficult. In fact, a recent survey of tradespeople found that mental health struggles were concerning across these predominantly male sectors, with 90% having experienced high stress this year, and 36% doing so weekly.
Initiatives such as Andy’s Man Club and other support organisations play an important role in breaking down these barriers and encouraging workers to talk openly about stress and mental health.
Lucas Whitehead, Head of Partnerships at Andy’s Man Club said,
“It is disappointing to find that 57% of outdoor workers believe that there is an expectation for them to continue working through stress. Heightened stress or anxiety in the workplace is likely to lead to mistakes or lapses in concentration, and in this field specifically, it will increase the risk of danger.
“A high proportion of men who take their own lives haven’t reached out to support services before they do so. So the fact that 51% of those working outdoors believe stress is something they should simply ‘deal with’ is no doubt a contributing factor to this. Stress is something that is casually addressed by too many in society, when it should be recognised as an important issue.
“Looking into organisations like Andy’s Man Club or reaching out for help via CALM or Samaritans can be a first step for many in finding the help they need.”
#Itsokaytotalk
The findings suggest that while stress levels remain high across outdoor industries, workplace culture and stigma may still be preventing many workers from seeking help or discussing mental health openly. That’s why Monster Mesh partnered with the UK men’s mental health charity Andy's Man Club to help raise awareness of mental health across construction and other outdoor industries.
Using branded fence covers and barrier covers to promote the message that “it’s okay to talk”, the initiative aims to tackle stigma and encourage workers to seek support, particularly in male-dominated industries where mental health can be difficult to discuss.
By promoting mental health support directly on construction sites and workplaces, the initiative helps break down barriers around stress and makes support more visible and accessible to workers who may otherwise struggle in silence.
Find out more about the survey findings or exclusive #itsokaytotalk fence covers on the Monster-Mesh website.