THE SILENT STRUGGLE – MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CRANE INDUSTRY AND ITS IMPACT ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Likewise, in the crane industry, young people were raised to expect better than what their parents’ experiences were. Yet now, the same generation who raised them bemoans a lack of work ethic, simply because young workers are demanding better for themselves, as they were taught. This is especially noticeable when it comes to the aspects of work impacting mental health, such as work/life balance and how they are treated by their employers. Young workers don’t want to be with a company that doesn’t treat them well, period. The pay and benefits don’t matter compared to their actual lived experience. Here’s How Industry Leaders Can Improve Mental Health and the Skilled Labor Gap at the Same Time! Recognize Impact on Workforce Development Mental health issues not only affect individual workers but also have a ripple effect on workforce development. 1. Productivity Loss: Mental health problems can lead to decreased productivity. Workers dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may find it difficult to concentrate, leading to mistakes and accidents. 2. High Turnover Rates: The strain of untreated mental health problems can result in higher turnover rates. Companies lose valuable, experienced workers and face the cost of recruiting and training new employees. 3. Safety Concerns: Mental health directly impacts safety. Stressed or distracted workers are more likely to be involved in accidents, which can have serious or even fatal consequences. 4. Team Dynamics: A workforce struggling with mental health issues can see deteriorating team dynamics. Communication breakdowns, conflicts, and a lack of cohesion can become common, affecting overall project outcomes. 5. Lack of Diversity: Whether in a gene pool or a stock portfolio, lack of diversity leads to major problems. Women and minorities are underrepresented in the crane industry due to factors such as not feeling welcome or safe.
CRANE HUB MAGAZINE | 14
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