The construction industry challenge

In the construction industry, looking after people’s wellbeing is an essential part of retaining workers and attracting new recruits but much more than that, it can really help save lives. Long hours, physical demanding roles, and high-pressure deadlines are everyday realities across the sector, and the impact of these factors can’t be underestimated. The impact of systemic stress isn’t just a concern on a personal level. It also affects team relationships, project delivery and ultimately, the construction industry’s ability to deliver the homes, infrastructure and sustainable buildings that the UK so desperately needs.

In the recently published report by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) entitled ‘Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025’, it is claimed that 24 per cent of those surveyed had experienced daily stress in the past year. Alarmingly, 17 per cent also claimed that they didn’t have the confidence to reach out to a colleague who may be struggling.

There are some positives though, with more than half of those surveyed having access to support and a trained mental first aider. This is a significant increase from the 2020 reports and shows that although there is still progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction.  The report also makes a number of recommendations for how companies can better support mental health in the workplace.

Leading by example

At CCF, we believe that supporting mental health and wellbeing is a fundamental part of being able to nurture healthy and motivated teams, provide better service to our customers and ultimately, contribute to a more resilient construction sector overall. 

One way we are achieving this is via our network of wellbeing representatives. A team member takes on this role in every branch, overseen by a regional lead who supports them. Together they play a key role in keeping our teams healthy and happy. Working alongside our trained Mental Health First Aiders, they help spot when someone might need a little extra support and make sure help is always close at hand. Through regular communication, inclusive activities, and sharing useful information in a variety of ways, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive – not just in their job, but personally too.  We are also providing wellbeing training for all our managers across CCF, as part of our partnership with Lighthouse - The Construction Charity. 

One shining example of our team  is Laura Sharp, our wellbeing representative at CCF Edinburgh. Having been part of the CCF family for over 22 years, Laura is passionate about making sure every colleague feels supported and has the tools they need. Laura explains why she is proud to be part of CCF’s wellbeing team: “I’ve seen first-hand how much difference it makes when someone knows they’re not alone. It’s important that we create an environment where people feel comfortable talking, whether they need help or just someone to listen." 

Laura’s dedication to staff wellbeing has helped foster a real sense of community and care in her workplace, which is mirrored at CCF branches across the UK. Our initiatives are driven by proactive colleagues like Laura and are structured around three key areas – financial, emotional, and physical wellbeing. 

Taking the strain out of the everyday

Work is a huge part of our lives but not the only thing we have to think about. Money worries can affect everyone, so we make sure our colleagues know where to turn to access the advice they need and the staff perks available to them. In every branch, information about discounts, benefits, and help with the cost of living is easy to access. From signposting information on email, via branch noticeboards and displaying in communal areas, to holding regular team briefings, we keep everyone informed in ways that suit them. We also encourage open and informal conversations, empowering our colleagues to ask for advice if they need it and take advantage of any help we can give to lighten the load.

Building a stronger team culture

Construction is a busy and high-pressure industry and can sometimes feel like an isolating place where social interaction is limited. That’s why at CCF, community spirit is at the heart of what we do. Charity days that raise funds and awareness, team competitions such as afternoon quizzes and baking challenges, and other fun team activities help bring everyone together, and we make sure our events are inclusive across all roles.

These moments of connection give us the chance to build stronger teams, spot if anyone is struggling, and remind each other that it’s OK to take a break and have some fun!

Taking an active role 

Taking care of our bodies is just as important as looking after our minds, especially in such a physically demanding sector as construction. Our wellbeing reps help promote regular breaks, especially during busy periods, and it’s not unusual for our branch managers to provide lunches or treats to keep energy levels up! As well as helping our colleagues understand the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise, we also ensure staff can always easily get hold of the right kit to keep warm in winter and stay safe in summer. These might be small things but we know they can make a big difference to how well our team feels.

At CCF, we’re proud to be creating a culture where everyone feels seen, supported, and safe. By putting wellbeing at the heart of our business, we're not just building stronger teams – we’re building a stronger future for the whole industry and signposting a welcoming career path for the next generation.