Working in construction is tough. Long hours, physical strain, and tight deadlines come with the job, but many workers are silently battling something much heavier.

Across Australia and New Zealand, construction workers are facing alarmingly high rates of anxiety and depression. Research shows that more than 20% of construction workers experience a mental health condition.

We talk about safety harnesses, PPE, and scaffolding, but mental safety is just as real, and just as fragile.

Understanding Anxiety & Depression:

Anxiety and depression can look different from person to person. They often creep in quietly, making it easy to miss the signs.

Anxiety may show up as:

• Feeling constantly tense, restless, or “on edge”
• Racing thoughts or difficulty sleeping
• A fast heartbeat, sweating, or trembling
• Avoiding certain situations or tasks due to fear
• Trouble relaxing, or feeling like you can’t switch off

Depression may show up as:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
• Loss of interest in hobbies, social time, or family activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Thoughts of self-harm

Other warning signs to look out for:

• Withdrawing from social contact
• Increased alcohol or substance use
• More mistakes at work, lateness, or absenteeism
• Physical symptoms (aches, tension, stomach issues) without clear cause
• Saying things like “What’s the point anymore?”

What Workers Can Do

• Prioritise rest and recovery. Sleep and downtime are absolutely essential for your health and focus.
• Talk about it. Reach out to a friend, a family member, or your EAP counsellor. You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable.
• Keep small healthy habits. Go for a walk, stretch, or take a few minutes to breathe and reset.
• Watch your coping habits. Alcohol or substances may seem to help at first, but they often make things worse long-term.
• Stay connected. Make time for the things and people that help you feel like yourself again.

What Companies Can Do

A strong team culture starts with psychological safety. Here’s how workplaces can protect their most valuable asset — their people.

• Normalise open conversations. Make it okay to say, “I’m not doing great today.”
• Train leaders and supervisors to recognise warning signs and respond with care.
• Promote your EAP services regularly so workers know where to get free support.
• Encourage peer support. Consider mental health champions or “connectors” on-site.
• Manage workloads fairly. Avoid chronic overtime and provide meaningful rest breaks.
• Communicate clearly. Be transparent about schedule changes, expectations, and disruptions.
• Stamp out bullying and stigma. A culture of respect and inclusion keeps people safe  mentally and physically.

You don’t have to carry the weight alone:

Support is available — and it’s free, confidential, and easy to access through your EAP.

Whether you want to talk something through or you’re ready to make some changes, you’ll be supported by professionals who understand what you’re going through and can help you find your footing again.

For more information about how we can support the workers in your team, chat to us about our Employee Assistance Programs available.

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and valued, both on and off the job.