Decades ago, being unhappy with your workplace was simply part of the experience. These days, experts know that the way you approach mental health for yourself and your employees can be the key to long-term business success. Here are a few factors you should consider, as a way to promote a healthy work environment that is as positive as it is productive.

Reasonable Workload
Construction is not typically known for being an industry with a reasonable workload. People tend to work long hours, especially at times of the year when business is high. Although this may seem like a dream for productivity, it can trigger problems over time. People who aren’t dealing with mental health struggles can still experience burnout. And the worse it gets, the more likely it is that people will rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms. An excessive or unpredictable workload might also trigger mental illness that is poorly managed or sitting just beneath the surface. Controlling the workload to a reasonable level, and giving people the comfort of a schedule they can expect, can make them feel more stable at a tough time.

Flexibility
Employers need to offer consistency to their employees, but also flexibility when it is needed. Research indicates that when employees feel like they have the power to control the conditions of their workday, they tend to be happier and even work harder. Sometimes, this means allowing someone to take a couple of days off when they are dealing with a complicated family issue. At other times, it means tailoring an employee schedule to fit their natural preferences. If you think about it, it’s easy to understand. Most night owls don’t enjoy getting up for work at 5 a.m. And someone who gets up at 5 a.m. probably doesn’t want to still be working at 9 p.m.

Positive Feedback
Mental illness isn’t necessarily created by a person’s environment. However, the way that you create an environment for your employees can certainly affect how they manage their mental health. Positive feedback can make a big difference, but this depends on your management style. Some business owners like to minimize the amount of time they’re telling their employees what to do. But sometimes, that means you’re not telling someone anything unless you have a complaint. In other cases, bosses spend a lot of time giving feedback to employees, but they don’t pay attention to how much of it is positive. Making sure that you give good feedback and keep criticism constructive can make it easier for workers not to get stuck on it.

Building Support Systems
Helping yourself and your employees means that you need to build a support system that people feel comfortable using. Mental illness still carries a hefty stigma, even if many mental health advocates have been trying to minimize it. People often assume that they cannot get help for even common mental health concerns like anxiety or depression.

In construction, it’s important to understand how big of an issue it can be. Experts estimate that as many as one in five construction workers struggles with mental illness. In fact, construction workers are much more likely to die by suicide than they are from a fall, which is the most common source of physical injury in the industry. Experts suggest reaching out to employees on a regular basis, and considering programs like employee assistance. Larger firms are starting to offer these benefits as a way to attract and retain long-term employees.

Employee-Focused Improvements
Ultimately, it’s not enough to make changes based on what you think your employees need. You must consult them to get their input. This is tricky because sometimes people have suggestions that aren’t realistic to carry out. Think about how you would handle a problem that you want to solve personally. You take your own perspective into consideration and make a choice that is best for the company. Now, apply that to any employees who might have input to share. Get their opinions and then see what you can put into action.

Caring for your mental health and that of your employees is a great way to ensure your contracting business survives. To find out more, visit CSLS today!