Skanska and Maximus partner for construction mental health

Skanska, one of the UK's leading contractors, has partnered with Maximus to provide mental health support for its UK employees and hopes to improve wellbeing across the construction sector as a result.

Through the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service, the companies will help to expand mental health provision and thereby provide better support for construction employees in the UK. As a result, they will also be able to raise better awareness of staff wellbeing in the construction sector. 

Greater employee support will see long-term benefits

The subject of mental health is something that the industry is continually wrestling with, as confirmed by a Mates in Mind survey reporting that an overwhelming 48% of construction employees have taken time off work due to stress, in addition to a staggering 91% experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed.

As a part of this support service that is being offered, Maximus will work together with Skanska to deliver webinars, training and workshops across its UK sites, covering topics such as burnout prevention, suicide awareness, PTSD awareness and links between physical and mental health.

It is designed to cater to employees who have a mental health concern, either diagnosed or undiagnosed. These can be issues that are making their job more challenging or if it has resulted in workplace absence.

This also sees huge benefits for businesses, as if staff are happier and more engaged, as well as being greatly supported in the workplace, the workplace is more productive as a result. Maximus has stated that the service offers huge benefits to both employees and organisations. 

Kaylena Mushen, Partnerships Lead for the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service at Maximus, said: “Research shows that people working in the construction industry can be disproportionately affected by mental health problems, with stress, depression, or anxiety accounting for 27% of all work-related illness in this predominantly male sector. 

“Our partnership with Skanska ensures that their UK employees gain access to confidential, work-centred support. We hope that the partnership will help to underline the importance of mental wellbeing within the construction sector.”