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Running a building business is hard at the best of times. Right now, with fuel prices putting pressure on the industry, a lot of business owners are carrying a weight that goes well beyond the day-to-day. Your crew are likely feeling it too, not just on the job, but at home. Cost-of-living pressures are real, and the same uncertainty that keeps you up at night is affecting the people who show up to work for you every morning.

Mental wellbeing in the trades has come a long way, but when things get stressful, it can still be one of the first things to quietly fall through the cracks. If you’re leading a team, how you’re travelling personally has a direct impact on the people around you. That’s why looking after yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s part of being a good boss.

Check in with yourself first

It’s hard to support your team if you’re running on empty. Some signs that stress might be affecting you:

• Trouble sleeping or constantly waking up with work on your mind
• Feeling irritable or short-tempered more than usual
• Loss of motivation or that flat, “what’s the point” feeling
• Withdrawing from family, mates, or things you normally enjoy

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s worth taking it seriously. Talk to someone you trust, whether that’s a mate, your partner, or your GP. 

Keep an eye on your crew

As a business owner, you’re in a unique position to notice when someone on your team isn’t quite themselves. You don’t need to be a counsellor, just a decent human being who pays attention.

Some practical ways to support your team’s mental health:

• Have regular, informal check-ins. It doesn’t have to be a sit-down conversation. A genuine “how are you going?” on the way to site goes a long way.
• Normalise the conversation. If mental health is something you’re willing to talk about openly, your team will feel safer doing the same.
• Notice changes in behaviour. Increased mistakes, lateness, quietness, or short tempers can all be signs that someone is struggling.
• Know your resources. Make sure you and your team know about free support services like the Mates in Construction helpline (1300 642 111). Having these on hand before you need them matters.
• Lead by example. If you take a lunch break, your team will too. Small things send big signals about what’s acceptable in your workplace.

Focus on what’s in your control

Uncertainty breeds anxiety; that’s just human nature. When everything feels like it’s shifting, it helps to anchor yourself to the things you can influence: how you treat your team, the culture you create on site, and the routines that keep your days structured and purposeful.

You don’t have to have all the answers. But showing up, being present, and letting your team know you’ve got their back, that counts for more than you might realise.

Every builder and tradie around the country is navigating the same choppy waters right now. Reach out to your network, talk to your industry peers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, professionally or personally.

Free support services:

• Mates in Construction: 0800 111 315 | mates.org.nz
• The NEED TO TALK helpline: Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor
• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
• Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 or free text 8681
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 | lifeline.org.nz