At Cleo, we recognise that mental health is not just a growing concern—it’s an urgent priority, particularly in the construction and property industries. Our sectors face unique pressures, with tight deadlines, financial worries, market instability, and long working hours creating a perfect storm for mental health issues. In fact, construction workers are 3.7 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the national average ​(Mates in Mind).

In the past year alone, 82% of UK builders reported work-related mental health problems, with 45% feeling symptoms every week​ (Planning, Building & Construction Today).  These statistics are not just numbers—they reflect a pressing issue that affects the well-being of our colleagues and the quality of our work.

At Cleo, we live by our values of Quality, Partnership, and Authenticity, and that includes caring for our team beyond the projects we deliver. We believe that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical safety, something exemplified by the successful “treat health like safety” approach during the London 2012 Olympics​ (British Safety Council). But we know there is still much more to do, especially in male-dominated industries like ours, where the stigma around mental health often prevents open conversations.

Embed mental health awareness in your safety protocols. Encourage daily check-ins, much like physical safety briefings, to normalise discussions about well-being.

Offer employees a safe, judgment-free environment to discuss their struggles. Consider peer-support programs where workers can confidentially share their experiences, and physical spaces designed for decompression and privacy.

Provide access to mental health resources like Employee Assistance Programs or third-party support services like Mates in Mind (text “BEAMATE” to 85258), which specialises in mental health in construction​ (Mates in Mind).

Recognise the link between financial stress and mental health. Provide resources or workshops on financial management to help employees navigate the rising costs of living and inflation​ (The Cover)​(Planning, Building & Construction Today).

Equip your team leaders with the tools to recognise signs of distress and engage in meaningful conversations. Training like the Have the Conversation initiative has proven to be effective in reducing stigma and supporting employees through tough times​ (The Cover).

We are committed to supporting our team and the wider community through ongoing mental health initiatives. We recommend utilising these key resources:

• Mates in Mind: Text “BEAMATE” to 85258 for confidential support.
• Samaritans: 116 123, available 24/7.
• Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393, providing information on mental health topics.