CIOB launches global mental health survey
[edit] Global survey to address construction's silent mental health crisis
The third instalment in a series of landmark research studies into the mental health struggles of construction workers is set to land in 2025.
Researchers from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will once again survey the sector as part of the professional body’s ongoing mission to address mental health problems within the industry.
The last report, released in 2020, highlighted 97 per cent of construction workers had experienced high levels of stress, and 71 per cent of respondents revealed they had not received any mental health training.
Even more alarmingly, more than a quarter of those surveyed claimed they had experienced suicidal thoughts.
Daisie Barnett, policy development manager at CIOB, said: “Our 2020 report revealed scary statistics about the prevalence of mental health challenges within the workforce.
“The number of workers experiencing stress, fatigue and suicidal thoughts highlighted significant and urgent change was needed.
|
| An infographic showing the results of CIOB's 2020 survey |
“Our follow-up survey allows us to understand what progress has been made and where further action might be required. We are particularly interested to see what has changed post the pandemic, with the introduction of flexible working opportunities and the potential increase of financial worries.”
The CIOB is calling on construction professionals at all levels—from on-site workers to senior executives—to share their insights on mental health challenges and the initiatives organisations implement to tackle the issues.
Barnett continued: “We want to hear from construction workers across the globe and we encourage everyone to be as honest as possible.
“Mental health in construction is a silent crisis, so please use this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and help shape future strategies to support those working in the industry worldwide.”
The survey is open from 2 December until 31 January 2025 and can be accessed here: www.ciob.me/mentalhealth
This article appears on the CIOB news and blog site as 'CIOB launches global survey to address construction's silent mental health crisis' dated 2 December 2024.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 37% of SMEs suffer mental health problems due to pay issues
- Building up wellbeing in construction.
- Changing attitudes towards the mental wellbeing of early career Architectural Technology professionals.
- CIOB responds to CITB mental health and wellbeing report.
- Construction Health and Safety Group CHSG.
- Construction leadership for mental health.
- COVID-19 and mental health within construction firms.
- Economic upturn masks mental health crisis in 2021.
- Emotional distress
- Empowering the construction industry to take action on mental health
- Heritage and mental health.
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Mental health awareness week
- Mental health first aid
- Mental health in the construction industry.
- Psychosocial disability
- Stop Make a Change SMAC-20.
- Tackling mental health issues in construction.
- Tackling mental health issues in construction
- Tackling mental health - 6 point plan
- Understanding and managing workplace stress is critically important to civil engineers.
- Understanding mental health in the built environment.
- World mental health day.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.