Survey reveals disturbing levels of stress in construction

While this can't be taken as indicative of the industry as a whole, since those suffering from stress are more likely to respond to a survey on the subject, the findings do shed some light on the causes of stress.

The organisational factors which most cause stress at work are lack of feedback (57%), poor communication (56%) and inadequate staffing (55%) were the most common bugbears, followed closely by planning

When it came to factors related to job demands, it's not surprising that too much work (64%), pressure (60%) and ambitious deadlines (60%) were cited as the main culprits.

Conflicting demands was the most common cause of stress when it came to job roles, at 52%. Respondents said lack of privacy (43%) and inadequate temperature controls (43%) were the main physical factors causing stress.

The most popular way of coping with occupational stress was with support from colleagues (81%). Other popular strategies included talking to a manager (61%), offloading/delegating work (59%) and taking time off (51%).

CIOB recommends that firms set up confidential support schemes for those suffering from stress. It also notes that since contact with colleagues was the most common way people coped with stress, firms should consider more team-building and social events.

In the long-term, says CIOB, industry should be more aware about what causes stress and how to alleviate it.