Construction work is physically demanding, and it is not uncommon for workers to experience mental strain due to long work hours, tight deadlines, and high-pressure environments. To help alleviate these issues, implementing emotional state surveys on construction jobsites can be a powerful tool in promoting workers’ mental health and wellbeing.
Emotional state surveys are questionnaires that ask workers about their emotional state, how they are feeling, and their level of job satisfaction. These surveys can be given on a regular basis to gather data on workers’ mental health and identify areas of concern before they become major issues. The data collected can be used to create targeted interventions to help workers better manage their emotions and improve their overall wellbeing.
Research has shown that emotional state surveys can have a positive impact on workers’ mental health. One study found that when employees were given regular surveys to measure their well-being, they were more likely to report higher levels of job satisfaction, productivity, and overall wellbeing. Another study found that monitoring employee well-being with regular surveys helped to reduce employee stress levels and absenteeism.
Implementing emotional state surveys on construction jobsites can be done in several ways. One approach is to use digital survey tools that allow workers to complete the questionnaire anonymously and at their own pace. Another approach is to have a designated person on the jobsite, such as a safety manager or human resources representative, who can administer the surveys in person and provide support and resources to workers based on their responses.
To ensure the success of emotional state surveys, employers can use behavioral science principles such as the social norm theory and the self-determination theory. The social norm theory suggests that people are heavily influenced by the behaviors and beliefs of those around them. By communicating to workers that completing the survey is the norm and encouraged, it can increase participation rates. The self-determination theory suggests that people are more motivated to engage in activities that they feel are meaningful and aligned with their values. Employers can communicate the purpose and benefits of the survey, making it clear that it is designed to support the workers’ wellbeing.
Implementing emotional state surveys on construction jobsites is a powerful intervention for promoting workers’ mental health and wellbeing. Regular surveys can provide data to identify areas of concern and inform targeted interventions to support workers. By using behavioral science principles, employers can ensure the success of this intervention and help workers feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Sources:
Diener, E., Oishi, S., & Lucas, R. E. (2015). National accounts of subjective well-being. American Psychologist, 70(3), 234–242. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038899
Kessler, R. C., Barber, C., Beck, A., Berglund, P., Cleary, P. D., McKenas, D., Pronk, N., Simon, G., Stang, P., & Ustun, T. B. (2003). The World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ). Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 45(2), 156-174.
Lim, D., Sanderson, K., & Andrews, G. (2015). Lost productivity among full-time workers with mental disorders. Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 18(3), 145-151.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
Schultz, A. B., Edington, D. W.,
