National Grid and WMS work together to improve construction worker wellbeing
New research is tackling the mental health crisis in the construction industry – highlighting the benefits of an on-site Health Hub on worker wellbeing.
The challenge
The construction industry has the highest number of deaths by suicide compared to other employment sectors, accounting for 20% of all suicides by occupation between 2011-2019 (ONS). Now, in a joint collaboration between the University of Warwick and the National Grid, researchers are attempting to address this problem.
Our approach
A Health Hub was set up by National Grid on a construction site in Sellindge, Kent which employees could use during their long working days. The Health Hub, a pilot for future projects which could be implemented across the UK, included a gym, social spaces, one-to-one wellbeing coaching, health awareness events and a canteen with free healthy meals.
In evaluating the innovative Health Hub, researchers at the University of Warwick conducted an in-depth analysis of the challenges faced by workers in the industry. Participants described the vicious cycle of knock-on effects of long working hours on their physical and mental wellbeing and family life, as well as the stigma surrounding mental health.
Our impact
Initial findings suggest that workers who used the hub for a longer duration and indicated a greater use of facilities had significantly lower anxiety scores. Workers also reported: a greater sense of appreciation from their employer; more opportunities to make healthier lifestyle choices; improved morale and a greater awareness of avenues for mental health support. Several reported that the on-site facilities “made life easier” – supporting workers to better balance their work, health and wellbeing, without having to sacrifice time spent with their families.
Associate Professor Carla Toro, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, said: “It was a privilege to work with National Grid on this important project. There is a large research gap on what helps to improve the mental wellbeing of construction workers. As a step beyond the traditional organisation-wide approach to wellbeing, National Grid have introduced an inclusive model (the Health Hub), that makes wellbeing support available for all construction workers from multiple organisations from all sizes, including MSMEs and sole-traders. “Our research findings from the National Grid and Warwick collaboration provide the first insights to what we hope will become a minimum standard to support and improve the wellbeing of construction workers at all construction sites.”
Emma Ford at National Grid said: “As a business, we pride ourselves on the health and wellbeing programmes we provide for our people, but when it comes to construction facilities those on site tend to be contractors. This can mean that they don’t receive the same kind of benefits that our people do. The Health Hub was designed to help change that, and we will continue to develop the research further and share our findings more widely with industry.”
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