Construction workers face unique challenges, both physically and mentally in their daily roles. The demanding nature of the work, coupled with higher-than-average mental health struggles, means that employers who prioritise wellbeing can make a significant difference. Offering fitness benefits is one powerful way to improve the overall health and safety of construction workers, leading to a more resilient and productive workforce.
Understanding the challenges faced within the construction sector
Construction work stands apart from many other professions. It’s physically intense, highly skilled, and mentally taxing. Workers often engage in heavy lifting and repetitive movements, all while working long hours, which can lead to musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, injuries, and fatigue.
But the challenges aren’t limited to physical strain. Construction workers face heightened risks of mental health problems, including higher suicide rates compared to other industries. Stress, loud environments, irregular hours, job insecurity and time spent away from family all contribute to these struggles. Additionally, substance abuse is more common in this sector, and traditional workplace culture often discourages conversations around mental health. Furthermore, construction sites sometimes offer easier access to the means of suicide, compounding the risk.
For these reasons, employee benefits that focus on both physical and mental wellbeing are essential. Employers should consider fitness benefits as a key tool in supporting construction workers’ health, mental resilience, and overall safety.
How physical exercise enhances wellbeing for construction workers
Fitness benefits, such as discounted gym memberships, are attractive across many industries, but they are especially beneficial for construction workers. The physically demanding nature of the job aligns with the interests of those who often appreciate fitness routines. By providing flexible fitness options, employers can help workers maintain their overall physical and mental health.
Although construction work is already physically strenuous, structured exercise brings its own unique advantages. It can help workers improve strength and endurance, reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and enhance flexibility and balance—all of which are key factors in preventing injuries.
In terms of mental health, regular physical activity offers a way to reduce stress, manage anxiety and foster relaxation. It can also help improve mood, raise self-esteem, and support good sleep patterns. For a predominantly male workforce, fitness can serve as a positive outlet for bonding and forming social connections outside of work. The key is offering flexible fitness benefits that allow workers to exercise when, where, and how they prefer.
Top fitness benefits for construction workers
Considering the physically demanding nature of construction work, it’s important not to impose rigid exercise routines. An on-site gym, for instance, may not be feasible. The best solution is to offer flexible gym access to a wide range of locations, allowing workers to choose when and how they engage in physical activity.
Employers can further encourage fitness by offering flexible working hours to fit exercise into daily routines, setting up team fitness challenges, or tracking healthy habits in a fun and friendly way.
Many construction workers are already interested in physical fitness. Employers can harness this by providing:
- Flexible, discounted gym access at multiple locations
- Regular breaks for stretching and rest
- Incentives or rewards for participation in fitness activities
- Health and fitness champions within the team to lead by example
- Education on how fitness enhances their work performance and long-term health
Making fitness benefits relevant to construction workers
Construction work is demanding and unique in terms of its physicality, schedules, locations, and culture. When designing fitness benefits, employers should tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs of this hard-working group. Here’s how to ensure fitness benefits are relevant and impactful:
Flexibility is Key
- Offer access to gyms in multiple locations to accommodate varying work sites
- Provide 24/7 gym access to fit different shift patterns and seasonal schedules
- Allow workers to choose when, where, and how they exercise
Choice and Variety
- Provide access to different types of fitness facilities and programs
- Include options for individual and group fitness activities
Education and Motivation
- Share resources on the benefits of health and fitness for construction work
- Organise fitness challenges with rewards to boost participation
Integration with Work
- Incorporate short warm-up routines before shifts to prevent injuries
- Offer active breaks throughout the day to encourage stretching and movement
By offering tailored fitness benefits, employers can significantly enhance the wellbeing of their construction workforce, helping them stay healthier, happier, and safer throughout their careers.
Have you reviewed your fitness benefits recently? Provide your employees with flexible, discounted access to our network of UK gyms, pools and spas as an employee benefit- get a free quote.
