A new survey by MATES in Construction NZ has uncovered major challenges facing workers in the construction industry. The 2023 MATES x ASB Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey, which polled over 2,100 workers, reveals a stark picture of mental health in this sector.
Notably, 71% of construction workers reported at least one home life issue affecting their wellbeing, with many dealing with multiple challenges at once.
MATES Research Manager, Dr Lauren Donnan says many workers in the focus groups reported having to work second jobs such as uber driving at night to increase wages “because it is so expensive in Aotearoa to be able to especially have a family afford that cost of living.”
In the construction sector, Donnan says, “When you’ve got work, you take the work, you go 100 miles an hour, you’re working excessively long days and you’re getting home and your missus has been home with the kids and she’s angry because you’re home late again and you’re having to battle that and then do it all over again the next day. That is hard. That’s really hard.”
Dr Lauren Donnan, MATES Research Manager, explains the study and key findings
The study found that for two in five workers (38%), the top reported home life issue of concern was lack of sleep or feelings of exhaustion. This was followed by physical health issues and limited time for self-care (both 27%), relationship problems (24%), and mental health issues (22%).
These numbers show how hard it is for workers to juggle their job demands and personal lives. The high rates of sleep problems and exhaustion suggest that work stress often follows them home, creating a hard-to-break cycle.
“Sometimes when you are feeling overwhelmed or like you’re not good enough or whatever that feeling feels like for you, you forget the layers going on in your life that you just, on a general level, deal with every day,” Donnan says.
Some Groups Face Bigger Hurdles
Certain groups in the workforce seem to be hit harder by home life stressors. The study found workers with a mental illness reported home life stressors including mental health concerns exhaustion (72%), lack of time for self-care (53%), relationship problems (47%), physical health issues (45%), and social isolation (25%).
Women and workers with disabilities often reported exhaustion and trouble with self-care, while non-binary workers and consultants highlighted relationship and physical health issues.
“For our migrant workers, it was really difficult because they had to work as many hours as they could to earn as much money as they could, to send money home to their families, to save for a visa, to bring their families here and to afford to live,” Donnan says.
These findings show the need for targeted support systems that address the specific challenges faced by different groups in the industry.
Tackling the Problem: Targeted Support and Industry-Wide Action
Recognising the complexity of these issues, MATES in Construction NZ is taking a multi-pronged approach to support workers. Donnan stressed the importance of this comprehensive strategy.
“There is no one solution to the problem. There is no one person who needs to be held accountable or any fingers pointed to blame. It’s such a big picture… what are the things you’re doing really well that you can do more of, and what are the things that aren’t going so well that you have some control over?”
The organisation is focusing on several key areas:
- Expanding and improving MATES programmes
- Building stronger workplace support networks
- Creating targeted interventions for higher-risk groups
- Emphasising preventative measures
- Continuing to monitor and research the situation
This approach recognises that improving worker wellbeing requires action on multiple fronts, from individual support to industry-wide cultural changes.
Progress and Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges revealed by the survey, there are positive signs. Overall mental health among workers has improved, with 85% now rating their mental health as ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ – up 10% from 2022 and 15% from 2021. This upward trend suggests that current efforts are making a difference, especially when leaders get involved.
Donnan says, “Any change on site that creates that culture of feeling connected and together and supported came from the top. And it was really important that that culture of acceptance, of talking about mental health and wellbeing and that came from the top down.”
“It’s not only about being able to reach out for help, but it’s about people reaching out to you to say, hey, I’ve noticed you’re not really showing up at the moment or you’ve been quite quiet or really angry.”
Going forward, MATES in Construction NZ plans to use these findings to shape government policies and regulations, supporting ministerial efforts to improve mental health outcomes across New Zealand. By addressing home life stressors and providing targeted support, the organization aims to build a more resilient and thriving construction workforce.
“Our industry is so amazing and that’s something that we constantly get feedback on. How often do you get to be out in the sun with your mates, creating something that is just going to stand the test of time and be there that you will part of?,” she says.
These findings make it clear that improving worker wellbeing is a complex but achievable goal. By continuing to listen to workers, adapt support systems, and foster a culture of care within the industry, there’s hope for a future where the rewards of construction work outweigh its challenges.
