Addressing men’s mental health in male-dominated sectors is essential for cultivating a healthier, more productive workforce. These industries often operate in high-pressure environments with physically demanding tasks and significant job-related stress, all of which can negatively impact mental well-being. Reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and providing tailored support for work-related stress can lower absenteeism, boost engagement, and build stronger, more resilient teams. Prioritising mental health isn’t only the right choice—it’s a strategic investment in long-term success and a thriving workplace culture. Our Men’s Football and Mental Health Programme offers a cost-effective, high-impact solution to support mental health across these critical sectors, fostering a resilient workforce empowered to excel both on and off the field.
CONSTRUCTION
The construction industry in the UK is grappling with a severe mental health crisis. Construction workers are four times more likely to complete suicide compared to the general population. Over the past decade, more than 7,000 workers have tragically lost their lives to suicide. Additionally, nearly 75% of workers report facing mental health challenges, with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression being prevalent due to the physically demanding and often isolating nature of the work. In fact, mental health-related absences in the sector cost approximately £2.74bn annually. Despite the ongoing efforts to increase awareness, stigma remains a significant barrier to accessing help. Tackling this issue by prioritising mental health support and providing accessible resources is essential for improving the wellbeing, safety, and productivity of the workforce in construction
ENERGY AND UTILITIES
The energy and utilities sector in the UK is facing increasing challenges related to mental health among its workforce. High-stress environments, demanding work schedules, physical and emotional tolls, and job uncertainty contribute significantly to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Recent studies show that over 60% of workers in the sector feel exhausted at the end of most working days, underlining the need for better mental health support. Mental health problems in this sector not only affect employees' well-being but also have broader impacts on productivity, engagement, and safety. Addressing these issues requires urgent attention, with comprehensive support systems, open dialogue, and tailored mental health programs becoming vital for fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce.
ENGINEERING
The engineering sector in the UK is experiencing a growing mental health crisis, with employees facing significant challenges related to stress, burnout, and mental health disorders. According to the Health and Safety Executive, in 2022/2023, around 875,000 UK workers reported experiencing work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. Factors such as long working hours, tight deadlines, high levels of responsibility, and job insecurity contribute to this issue. The lack of mental health support and the stigma surrounding mental health discussions in the workplace exacerbate these challenges. Addressing mental health in the engineering sector is crucial for fostering a more resilient, productive, and engaged workforce. Proactive support and open dialogue are essential to improve the well-being of employees and reduce the impact on performance, safety, and retention.
MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing sector in the UK faces significant mental health challenges, including high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, compounded by physically demanding work environments and job insecurity. For instance, recent studies show that approximately 25% of employees in the manufacturing industry have reported experiencing mental health difficulties. Despite the prevalence of these issues, there is often a lack of sufficient support and resources for employees. Addressing these mental health concerns through comprehensive support programs, reducing stigma, and offering accessible mental health resources is crucial for improving the well-being, productivity, and safety of the workforce in the manufacturing industry.
SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS
The mental health challenges faced by employees in the shipping and logistics sector are both significant and growing. With 30% of work-related illnesses in this sector attributed to stress, anxiety, and depression, it is evident that there is an urgent need for targeted interventions. The industry's demanding work conditions, particularly for HGV drivers, who deal with long hours, poor sleep, and road safety risks, exacerbate these mental health issues.
