Over the last few years, the mental health of Australians has moved to the forefront of workplace policy, with companies seeking to invest more in staff wellbeing – Moddex included.

We understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. This is especially true for men in our industry, where the stigma surrounding mental illness can be particularly strong.

The challenges of male-dominated fields

Jobs in the construction and manufacturing industry often involve repetitive tasks, unpredictable schedules, and ever-present safety hazards. In this pressure cooker environment, mental health can easily get pushed aside.

Studies show a higher risk of depression and anxiety in male-dominated fields such as construction and manufacturing. In fact, young Australian men in trades are twice as likely to die by suicide than peers in other occupations.

While many aspects of these jobs often involve a stressful mix of risk factors for mental illness including tight deadlines, safety concerns, physically demanding and repetitive tasks, and long hours leading to fatigue, one of the biggest factors might be right under the hardhat.

Many male-dominated workplaces also tend to have a culture of stoicism, which brings with it a stigma around mental illness that can make it tough for men to reach out for help when they need it.

The cost of silence on mental health

Mental health issues are not uncommon. Left unaddressed, these issues can have a devastating impact not only on the person, but their families and workplaces too.

Poor mental health and stressors at the workplace can be a contributory factor to a range of physical illnesses, as well as lead to burnout among employees, seriously affecting their ability to contribute meaningfully to both personal and professional lives.

The impact extends to employers and businesses with higher absenteeism, lower productivity and employee morale, high staff turnover, as well as an increase in costs to deal with the issue.

Research from Safe Work Australia indicates mental health conditions and other work-related psychosocial hazards are contributing to an increasing proportion of work-related injuries and illnesses in Australia – 7 per cent of all reported work-related injuries and illnesses to be exact.

National data from the past two decades also shows the cost of poor workplace mental health on the Australian economy is about $39 billion in lost participation and productivity each year.

Moddex builds a culture of support

Every industry comes with a unique set of risks and demands that contribute to the mental health of staff. It’s clear that the cost of ignoring the problem is far greater than the cost of developing and implementing strategies to create a safe and healthy workplace.

Recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t address the unique needs of each employee, Moddex, a certified Great Place to Work®, offers a personalised approach to mental health.

Through our holistic THRIVE initiative, Moddex offer resources to support employees in all aspects including their personal, professional, social and financial wellbeing – because we understand that mental wellbeing is influenced in more than one way.

Such resources include access to Perkbox, discounted gym memberships, access to guided workouts to improve physical health, as well as tools to proactively improve mental health such as meditation, sleep stories and talking therapies.

Our dedicated culture committee ModSquad provides all employees with healthy breakfast options, fresh fruit, end-of-month team lunches, and regular health and fitness challenges.

Not to forget, our flexible working arrangements allow more free time with family and friends, recognition and reward programs from leaders and peers, profit share for all team members and Employee Assistance Program.

By investing in these areas, Moddex fosters a work environment that goes beyond productivity and actively supports the overall wellbeing of our staff – and in turn, helps to ensure employees can stay mentally healthy.