Tackling the mental health crisis in the trades

Here’s what we know…

There is a mental health crisis happening across the nation in the construction and trades industries. High-pressure work environments, long hours, physical demands, and job insecurity have created the perfect storm for stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Until recently, there has been a stigma around mental health services and seeking care, often resulting in workers suffering in silence.

Mental health struggles left unaddressed can spiral into substance abuse, hopelessness, and even suicide. The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates among professions in the U.S. – with the rate among male construction workers 75% higher than men in the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2002, an estimated 6,000 construction workers died by suicide, compared to around 1,000 who died from a construction work-related injury.

How multiemployer trusts are addressing the crisis

Many multiemployer trusts are responding by expanding mental health benefits, shifting from reactive crisis management to preventive, proactive care. Programs such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), virtual therapy, coaching, and wellness initiatives are now common additions to Health & Welfare benefits.

However, even with excellent benefits available to members, uptake is usually low. Why? It can partially be attributed to a general stigma around mental health issues and seeking care, but also too often workers don’t realize they have these benefits, or understand how to take full advantage of them. A good communications strategy can help overcome the twin hurdles of awareness and engagement.

The power of proactive communications

Putting programs in place is a good first step, but to make a real impact, workers need to hear about mental health issues and available services frequently, clearly, in a variety of formats, and without judgment. Here’s how trusts can make that happen:

Be proactive, not reactive – Don’t wait for members to ask for help. Normalize mental health conversations by regularly sharing information to everyone in everyday communications. Treat it like any other health issue—factual, approachable, and stigma-free.
Make resources easy to find – Creating a centralized, easy-to-navigate web page makes it easy to find available mental health and substance use disorder resources. But just because it’s online doesn’t mean people will find it without help. Promote your website across multiple formats—emails, printed materials, benefit booklets, and even text or social media, to reach workers of all ages and technology skill levels.
Communicate often – A single email or flyer won’t be enough to educate members about a program or help them feel comfortable using it. Consistent, repeated communication is needed to increase the likelihood that the right person will see the right information at the right time. Mental health communications shouldn’t be an annual reminder—they should be part of your ongoing benefits narrative.
Offer comprehensive support – Ensure your messaging covers the full spectrum of mental health needs:

Crisis support and suicide prevention such as the 988 hotline, 24/7 virtual care services, or app-based care
Short- and long-term counseling for stress, depression, and anxiety via EAPs, medical benefits, and telehealth providers
Resources for substance use disorder treatment, including guidance on affordable care options, education on what the medical plan covers, and any additional services available

How we can help

Your trust doesn’t need to tackle this alone. Rael & Letson can help you build and manage an effective communication strategy that raises awareness, drives engagement, and supports your members with real, accessible tools.

Here’s what that might look like:

A clear, mobile-friendly web page with all mental health resources in one place
A brochure or handout explaining benefits and how to access them
Pocket-sized cards for union reps and HR departments, complete with QR codes
A magnet for members’ fridge or toolbox with key contacts and web links
Eye-catching postcards and other mailers sent to homes
A PowerPoint or video to show during meetings and new hire orientations
Newsletter articles and website blog posts to keep the conversation going

Make mental health a priority

The mental health crisis in the trades isn’t going away—but with the right support, trusts can be a powerful force for change. Together, we can build a healthier, more supportive workplace culture—one where no one suffers in silence.

Need help getting started? Let’s talk about building a custom communication plan that works for your members. Contact us.