N.S. construction workers facing high stress levels: survey

A new survey shows that Nova Scotia construction workers are facing high levels of stress.

Construction workers in Nova Scotia are dealing with very high stress levels, according to a newly released survey.

The survey, which was done by Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS) in partnership with research firm WorkInsights, was conducted in spring 2024. More than 1,000 construction workers from across the province took part.

Highlights from the survey include:

• more than 36 per cent of the workforce experience high or very high stress levels
• high-stress environments lead to up to 60 per cent more workplace incidents
• 40 per cent of the workforce is currently considering leaving due to stress

The CEO of CSNS says the report confirms what the association has been hearing anecdotally.

“While studies from across Canada and the United States have highlighted mental health challenges in construction, this is the first time we have data specific to Nova Scotia. Now, we can clearly see how our workers are doing and, more importantly, how to help them. This report provides a concrete roadmap for change,” said MJ MacDonald.

The survey also found 33 per cent of workplace stress is directly linked to manager interactions and 37 per cent of employees are dissatisfied with their relationship with their manager.

Half of all workers surveyed also said they don’t feel comfortable discussing mental health with colleagues.

“There’s still a stigma around mental health,” said Stacia Gunn, a health and safety manager. “People don’t necessarily know what they’re feeling, why they’re feeling it, or what to do with that information when they feel it and so there’s a risk there.”

Despite this, some positive responses were given. More than 81 per cent of workers said they find genuine purpose in their work, 85 per cent said they clearly understand job expectations, and 74 per cent said feel they are part of a cohesive team.

In addition to the findings, the report makes the following recommendations:

• train and support managers, who are the most influential factor in worker mental health
• expand access to therapy, especially through online platforms
• provide managers with the time and resources they need to lead psychologically safe teams

CSNS says it will expand its mental health programming with new training programs and resources launching later this year.

The Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces report is available now online.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Hafsa Arif.

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