Factors influencing the mental health help-seeking behaviours of construction workers in Ireland: perspectives from managers

Men in the construction industry are at a higher risk for suicidality when compared to the general male population. While industry-specific challenges such as excessive working hours and a pressurized work environment are contributory factors, deeply embedded masculine norms within the industry can further exacerbate this risk by discouraging mental health disclosure and help-seeking. Against this backdrop, managers occupy a pivotal position to potentially transform this wider workplace culture. Their dual perspectives—both professionally as gatekeepers and personally as individuals with lived experience of key pressure points within the industry—can provide a nuanced, in-depth understanding of the sociocultural influences affecting construction workers’ help-seeking behaviours for mental health challenges. Despite this, managers’ perspectives are underexplored. Five focus groups were conducted with managers (n = 33) to explore their experiences of the broader cultural influences on help-seeking behaviour within the industry. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings indicated three themes: (i) industry influences on help-seeking, (ii) navigating disclosure of mental health issues in a male-dominated industry, and (iii) negotiating support pathways. Findings highlight the interconnectedness of industry-specific and personal challenges that influence the disclosure of mental health issues and shape help-seeking behaviours among construction workers. Study findings have informed the development of a gender-responsive suicide prevention programme for the Irish construction industry.