New study reveals construction workers are feeling lonely at work
A new study* conducted by NESCAFÉ® has uncovered data which reveals that 47% of construction workers in the UK feel lonely at work.
There have been recent concerns around well-being in the construction industry – with a report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Issues Affecting Men and Boys recommending more stringent mental health provisions should be written into construction contracts.
Why was the study conducted?
The findings were undertaken as part of our NESCAFÉ® ‘Make Chat Work’ campaign, which aims to help businesses create a culture that nurtures their employee’s well-being through encouraging interactions, connections and engagement between workers.
What did the study show?
Our research revealed that eight out of ten of construction workers agree that having opportunities to talk to colleagues around coffee breaks would make them feel less lonely. In addition, nearly all respondents (99%) said that getting together for a coffee break is important for team morale and that the majority of them (94%) look forward to a coffee break with colleagues.
Nadia Roberts, Brand Manager here at NESCAFÉ®, said:
“Our research shows that coffee breaks at work aren’t just a ‘nice to have’ but are an important part of the day for employees – particularly for those that are experiencing feelings of loneliness. Breaks give workers time that’s been specifically carved out to connect, talk and engage with each other and an opportunity to take time out and switch off from the day-to-day pressures – important for workers in any small business, but particularly a sector like construction, and the related trades such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians, which are typically male-dominated.”
How are we helping to reduce loneliness for construction workers?
As part of our Make Chat Work campaign, which is running February-May, we’ve partnered with the Federation of Small Businesses, which represents 150,000 small businesses in the UK, as well as construction industry bodies the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), to deliver insights, webinars, information and assets to help small businesses improve workplace wellbeing.
Caroline Lavelle, Chief Commercial Officer at FSB, said:
“Workplace well-being is incredibly relevant and important to our vast small business community. We like to provide our members with knowledge and tools that enable them to run their business better, and the Make Chat Work campaign does just that.”
Through the partnership with the CIC, we’ll also be making a donation to the construction industry charity The Lighthouse Club, which provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families.
Bill Hill, CEO at the Lighthouse Club charity, which provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families, said:
“Experiencing poor well-being is an everyday reality for thousands of construction workers. Stress, anxiety and depression account for a fifth of all work-related illnesses and every single working day in the UK, two construction workers take their own lives. We welcome campaigns like Make Chat Work – it’s an opportunity to ignite conversation around workplace wellbeing and brings to life the importance of workers in the sector talking more.”
We have created tools that are easily accessible to all
We’ve also created various tools, for employers looking to support workplace well-being, which are free for businesses to download. This includes a Make Chat Work Guide packed full of insights, knowledge and practical tips on how to make the most of the coffee break in the workplace.
There are also printable assets to display in the office including a NESCAFÉ® Your Way’ sheet to note how colleagues like to take their hot drinks and ‘Icebreaker’ and ‘Conversation Starter’ suggestions, designed to help ignite chat and interaction with co-workers.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said:
“Mental health is a top priority for the FMB so our partnership with NESCAFÉ® is another great way to highlight workplace wellbeing. Builders face many pressures in their day-to-day lives and it’s great that many FMB members share their own mental health challenges to help others. The FMB has also partnered with the Lighthouse Club as our charity partner to ensure mental health awareness is front and centre in the construction sector.”
