Hardhat stickers may seem like a small addition, but they can have a big impact on the mental health and wellbeing of construction workers. By providing stickers with messages promoting mental health awareness and support resources, construction companies can create a culture of openness and support for workers’ mental health.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the construction industry has a higher rate of suicide than any other industry. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can be common in this industry due to the demanding physical labor and high-pressure deadlines. Hardhat stickers with messages such as “It’s okay to not be okay” or “Ask for help” can promote mental health awareness and encourage workers to seek support.
The implementation of hardhat stickers as a wellbeing intervention can also be paired with behavioral science principles such as social norms and default bias. Social norms can be used to promote a culture of openness and support for mental health. If a company provides hardhat stickers promoting mental health awareness and resources, it sends a signal that this is a topic that is important and should be talked about. Default bias can be used to encourage participation in mental health support programs. For example, if workers are automatically enrolled in an employee assistance program (EAP), they are more likely to use it than if they had to actively seek it out.
Implementation of the hardhat sticker intervention is easy and low-cost. Construction companies can work with their EAP provider or mental health organizations to design and provide the stickers. They can also add the stickers to their existing safety protocols, making them a part of the daily routine. By providing these stickers and promoting a culture of mental health awareness and support, construction companies can make a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of their workers.
Hardhat stickers may seem like a small intervention, but they can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of construction workers. The use of behavioral science principles such as social norms and default bias can increase participation in mental health support programs. By implementing hardhat stickers, construction companies can promote mental health awareness and support, creating a culture of openness and care for their workers.
Sources:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2018). Suicide prevention in construction. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/suicide/prevention.html
Mental Health America. (2021). Workplace mental health. https://www.mhanational.org/workplace-mental-health
Behavioral Economics Guide. (n.d.). Default bias. https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/mini-encyclopedia-of-be/default-bias/
Behavioral Economics Guide. (n.d.). Social norms. https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/mini-encyclopedia-of-be/social-norms/
Construction Dive. (2018). Construction industry grapples with staggering suicide rates. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-industry-grapples-with-staggering-suicide-rates/532845/
