What the CIOB Report Says – In Brief
The CIOB surveyed over 1,800 people in the built environment. The results show just how widespread mental health challenges have become:
- 33% say the industry has worsened their mental health
- 82% have considered leaving construction entirely
- Younger workers and site-based staff are most affected
- Lack of privacy, poor welfare facilities, and long periods away from family are top causes of stress
- Sites with better facilities see fewer delays and lower absenteeism
While large companies are making progress with mental health first aiders and flexible working policies, smaller firms – especially subcontractors – are falling behind.
Key Recommendations from the Report
The CIOB makes a number of suggestions for how the industry can do better:
- Provide clean toilets, temperature-controlled rest areas, and access to decent food - these are reported to provide 15% fewer delays and 20% lower absenteeism.
- Improve onboarding and mentoring, especially for younger workers
- Expand flexible working policies, even in site-based roles (e.g. staggered starts or compressed hours)
- Make mental health part of contracts, especially for long or remote projects
- Offer clear signposting to support services, like helplines or mental health first aiders
Focusing on Working Away from Home
While many of the report’s themes apply across the board, the issues around working away stood out.
For workers on the road, staying in temporary accommodation, or living away from family during projects, the challenges multiply:
- Loneliness and lack of social connection
- Inadequate accommodation – shared rooms, poor heating, or long commutes to site
- Lack of routine – no access to decent meals, gyms, or quiet spaces
- Higher levels of fatigue – especially if welfare on site is poor
- Disrupted family life – especially for those with kids or care responsibilities
These are not just personal struggles – they’re commercial risks. Tired, stressed, and unsupported teams are more likely to make mistakes, miss deadlines, or walk away from the job.
What Employers Can Do – Practical Tips for Teams Working Away
Here are five ways HR leaders, company policies and project managers can take action today to support teams working away from home:
1. Invest in Better Accommodation
Choose housing with:
- Private rooms wherever possible
- Comfortable beds and working heating/cooling
- Clean kitchens or meal options nearby
- Proximity to site to cut commute stress
A small upgrade in accommodation quality can lead to a big improvement in rest, morale, and performance.
An upgrade in accommodation also doesn’t need to actually cost more. QMS boosted team mental health and even reduced costs working with Comfy Workers!
WORKING WITH COMFY WORKERS, OUR TEAM ENHANCED WORK-LIFE BALANCE, REDUCED STRESS LEVELS AND SAVED VALUABLE TIME. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT WE ALSO DELIVERED SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS TO THE BUSINESS.
2. Plan for Work-Life Balance
Support workers with:
- Reasonable shift patterns and rest days
- Wi-Fi and quiet spaces to connect with family
- Clear schedules to help plan time at home
Avoid back-to-back long stints where possible. Rotas should allow time for recovery and reconnection.
3. Build Site Welfare into the Budget
Include:
- Clean, private toilets
- Heated break rooms
- Food vans or allowances if no shops are nearby
Don't cut corners here – the ROI in morale and productivity is proven.
4. Add Mental Health to the Toolbox Talks
Start normalising these conversations:
- Encourage team leaders to check in regularly
- Make support services known and accessible
- Offer anonymous ways to raise concerns
Sometimes just knowing someone cares can make a huge difference.
5. Ask for Feedback
Give your teams a voice:
- Run quick pulse surveys during projects
- Act on recurring issues around accommodation or welfare
- Involve workers in shaping future arrangements
You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your team’s wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also good business.
Workers who feel safe, supported, and well-rested are more likely to stay, perform better, and represent your company proudly on site. And when they’re working away from home, it’s even more important to get the basics right.
At Comfy Workers, we help businesses source reliable, stress-free accommodation for their teams – so you can focus on the project, not the problems.
If you’re managing teams away from home, and want to improve retention, wellbeing and delivery – we’ve got you sorted.
