Stress Awareness Month April 2025

Stress Awareness Month is a yearly campaign to raise awareness about modern-day stress, its causes and the ways to combat it. According to The Lighthouse Charity, 70% of construction workers feel stressed. At Natta, we are passionate about raising awareness and showing our support, so that no construction worker has to face these feelings alone.

Working in the construction industry can be incredibly challenging, with long hours, physically demanding tasks, and high-pressure environments. As well as that, issues such as job insecurity, financial stress, and the stigma surrounding mental health can make it even more difficult to cope with stress.

The Stress Management Society has been at the forefront of this yearly campaign for 30 years. They aim to educate the public about the causes and effects of stress. The theme this year is Lead with Love. They are encouraging us to approach ourselves and others with compassion and kindness. A small gesture of kindness can go a long way.

Some common triggers of stress in the Construction Industry:

• ​Tight Deadlines and High Expectations – The pressure to complete projects on time and within budget can lead to stress and exhaustion.
• Long Working Hours – Extended shifts and weekend work can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Physical Demands and Fatigue – Heavy lifting, extreme weather conditions, and demanding physical labour can lead to burnout and physical strain.
• Job Insecurity – The nature of contract work and fluctuating job availability can create financial uncertainty.
• Safety Concerns – Working at heights, with heavy machinery, or in hazardous environments adds extra mental strain.
• Lack of Support or Communication – A culture where stress is not openly discussed can make it harder for workers to seek help when needed.

Resources available to Team Natta:

As a business, we run the LOVE Awards (Live Our Values Everyday), which is a peer-to-peer recognition scheme where our staff get the chance to nominate colleagues to recognise their hard work and kindness for their commitment to our company’s core values.

At Natta, we prioritise a supportive work environment for better employee mental health. We encourage open conversation amongst staff and offer ‘Toolbox Talks’ to raise awareness amongst site teams. People in construction are particularly at a higher risk of stress due to the industry demands. Therefore, we aim to create a workspace where staff can have open discussions without facing stigma.

To support staff well-being, we hold monthly ‘Staff Socials’ at our Head Office and offer access to a gym and breakout room, providing opportunities for relaxation and socialising. Additionally, we organise an annual Wellness Week to motivate staff to engage in various activities. Each day focuses on a different wellness theme, and we share relevant posters, flyers, and videos on our company intranet to promote awareness of these important topics.

In 2022, Natta signed up to The Mental Health Charter and also became a supporter of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. We have rolled out the Construction Industry Helpline App on our staff’s mobile phones. If they need to talk to someone confidentially or need help quickly, the aid is there at their fingertips.

If you are struggling, or know of someone who is, help is available, and you don’t have to face it alone.

Sources: The Stress Management Society and The Lighthouse Charity