Study highlights mental health support demand in construction

Posted on Friday 13 March 2026

NEW RESEARCH from workplace health specialists Lime Health has highlighted the need for mental health support among construction workers, with 37% listing this as a workplace benefit that would make a marked difference to their lives.

The call for mental health support aligns with the prevalence of mental health issues among the construction workforce, with two construction workers taking their life every working day according to UK Charity Mates in Mind¹.

Lime Health’s study also found that 67% of construction workers feel pressure to conceal illness at work, with nearly one in three saying they do so regularly.

When asked why they conceal physical or mental illness at work, poor access to support (20%) and stigma (19%) were among the reasons cited.

These findings highlight the growing problem of pleasanteeism, the pressure employees feel to appear “fine” despite physical or mental ill-health. While presenteeism describes working while unwell, pleasanteeism goes further: it reflects the need to actively hide illness, delaying support and increasing long-term risk for both workers and employers.

With the stigma around mental health preventing many from speaking out or seeking help, and the added pressure many workers feel to hide their illness at work, creating a culture of psychological safety is crucial in the construction industry where workers experience mental health issues at a rate four times² higher than the rest of the population.

Commenting on the findings, Shaun Williams, founder and CEO of Lime Health, said: “When workers feel they must hide how they are really feeling, the risks don’t disappear, they become invisible.

“Silence can have serious consequences. When workers feel unable to talk about their mental health, struggles often go unnoticed and support comes too late. In high-pressure environments like construction, this silence can deepen isolation and prevent people from accessing the help that could make a critical difference.”

He added: “Employers who identify the healthcare risks among their employees and offer appropriate support can boost workforce wellbeing, engagement and retention.”

References:
[1] https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/124379/pdf/
[2] https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/124379/pdf/