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Clarke, N, Bradley, J G and Spillane, J P (2020) Mental Health and Well-Being in Micro-Enterprises in the Construction Industry: An Irish Perspective. In: Scott, L and Neilson, C J (Eds.), Proceedings 36th Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-8 September 2020, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 746-754.

  • Type: Conference Proceedings
  • Keywords: mental health awareness,mental health initiatives,micro-enterprises,well-being.
  • ISBN/ISSN: 978-0-9955463-3-2
  • URL: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/0298e0403e4f5a26c1cb596683bff986.pdf
  • Abstract:

    Construction companies operate in a highly competitive market, with low profit margins, tight time frames, all of which is in a sector that is temporary in nature, with people working on projects with a finite time and location. This is exemplified in the context of micro-enterprises whom provide sub-contracted services. Based on this premise, mental health and well-being of those within micro-organisations can therefore be compromised. Recent studies on mental health and well-being focus on SME’s and large organisations, but fail to consider micro-organisations; that is, those employing less than ten people; hence, the aim of this study. This paper presents a pilot study on a group of such micro-organisations in Ireland and how they operate in terms of their awareness, education and interventions regarding mental health. The focus is particularly on the owner-managers of such micro-enterprises and how they see and manage their own and their employee’s issues around mental health. In doing so, a qualitative approach is adopted, using a case study approach, interviewing those whom work in such environments. Results indicate that the increase in working hours, lack of security, long commutes and increased pressure on both profits and time lines, has a significant detrimental consequence to those working in micro-organisations. Furthermore, comments from the interviewees suggest that such impacts appear to be intensified by those that work for micro-organisations, due to increased pressures on, among others, time, profit and securing work. This study, although only a preliminary investigation, acknowledges the significant emphasis on improving physical elements of health and safety but the  mental health aspect is emerging as a separate and distinct facet with a concomitant shift in focus required. Thus, there needs to be further investigation towards the introduction of mental health initiatives, particularly for those working in micro-organisations within the sector.