Four fifths of window worker and joiners experience mental health issues at least once a year due to work-related issues, with the cost of living rating the highest among the causes, according to a report published to mark today (October 10) as World Mental Health Day
The survey goes on to show that 7% experience stress, anxiety and depression every day, while nearly half (48%) report these issues once a fortnight and 14% say it leads to them to take time off work. Worryingly, self-employed workers are less likely to take time off for such reasons (11% against 16% of employees), potentially making the situation worse, say the report’s authors.
Female workers are more likely to experience issues than male (89%) against 79%). Similarly, 18-24 year-olds were the worst hit, with almost all (98%) reporting some problems.
Perhaps the most worrying statistic of all in the research, commissioned by Ironmongery Direct, is that some 84% of industry workers do not feel comfortable talking about the problem, while the report puts this at the top of its advice on tackling the problem.
The report recommends: “One of the most positive ways to begin addressing mental health issues is to open up and talk to someone about what you are going through, no matter how difficult that may be.”
It adds that 10% actually worry what others would think if they opened up about their problems, and it goes on to advise: “To help break this stigma, be sure to check in on your colleagues, employees, friends and family and ask how they are. Do this regularly to show your support and open up the conversation for you to both discuss worries if necessary.
“Employers should make an effort to invest in mental health training, so you know what signs to look for and how to help anyone who needs support.”
The full report can be found at:
https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades
