Using tech to combat mental health challenges
Health and wellbeing have been severely tested in the pandemic, and the construction industry is hitting the issue head onA report from a leading telco has found that 45 per cent of construction business owners dealt with employees who had mental health and wellbeing issues during the first two years of the pandemic.
The report, titled
also identified that 60 per cent of business decision makers were concerned about their own health and wellbeing, with 41 per cent citing a lack of work-life balance as the main driver.However, the good news is that the construction industry is turning to new technology and updating business practices to address the mental challenges that are plaguing the industry, Optus said.
Construction firms of all sizes are planning to spend money on technology such as 3D printing, drones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, augmented and virtual reality and AI-based applications over the next five years. They will all help to play key roles in managing finances, efficiency, suppliers and compliance – ultimately allowing business owners and workers to get more hours back in their day.
Other top outcomes achieved through technology integration include better engagement with employees and customers and increased revenue.
“Work-life balance became a real focus for many Australians during the pandemic and we’ve seen priorities change in response to lockdowns and other COVID-19 measures had on our mental health,” said David Coventry, VP Business and Enterprise Customers at Optus.
“The Optus Business Construction Industry Pulse 2022 reported that 35 per cent of businesses are expecting an increase in their investment in technology over the next 12 months. This is heartening to see considering the positive impact technology can have on helping business leaders get more hours back in their day.”
More than 40 per cent of business owners and decision makers surveyed said they were adapting work practices to ensure they minimise mental health and wellbeing issues, but 24 per cent said they were doing nothing to manage mental health and wellbeing.
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