stress awareness month April 2026: be the change
For any of our construction talent, the modern construction job market is a high-stakes marathon that can take a significant toll on mental well-being. As we observe Stress Awareness Month, it’s time to pull back the curtain on a silent struggle and acknowledge the intense psychological pressure facing job seekers today.
At Randstad, we see the person behind the CV. We know that behind every application is a candidate balancing the hope of a new beginning with the stress of uncertainty. According to data, over 72% of job seekers report the application process significantly impacts their mental health, and 87% of job seekers have job jitters, and it’s scarier than a trip to the dentist, holding a spider or skydiving.
randstad's commitment to reducing stress
In line with our 2026 Workmonitor findings, we recognise the importance of a positive work-life balance for our talent to be successful. Our Workmonitor shows that in the UK, 51% of talent cite work-life balance as the main reason they stay in their current role, far outstripping competitive pay (22%) and job security (21%).
To bridge this gap and support the Great Workforce Adaptation, Randstad has expanded our candidate support ecosystem. Randstad’s Construction, Property and Engineering (CP&E) team places more than 2,500 temporary workers every week into a wide range of permanent and contractor roles within the construction industry across the UK and Ireland. Central to this is our dedicated relationship with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which allows us to actively work toward reducing stress within the construction community.
For many years Randstad has lent its financial support to the charity by taking part in fundraising activities and making an annual donation by signing up to be a continuing company supporter and promoter of the organisation.Through this partnership, we provide emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to our candidates, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate a volatile macroeconomic environment.
5 practical tips for reducing stress
We have deepened our partnership with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to provide you with actionable support for managing stress and avoiding burnout.
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utilise the #MakeItVisible on-site tools.
We encourage all our candidates to proactively use the #MakeItVisible on-site tools found across the frontline. By scanning the QR codes on posters at your workplace, you can access the Construction Industry Helpline App, a private digital tool designed specifically to help you manage occupational stress discreetly.
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practice the "Talk-5" initiative.
Additionally, we advocate for the "Talk-5" initiative; taking just five minutes for an authentic check-in with a peer can be a life-saving buffer against workplace anxiety, especially in environments where traditional silence often prevails.
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access financial wellbeing support.
Because we know that financial strain is a major driver of workplace pressure, with 33% of UK workers currently taking on extra work to cope with the rising cost of living, according to the Randstad workmonitor, we want to ensure you know how to access financial well-being support. Through the Lighthouse Charity, vital financial aid is available for families facing hardship, which can directly lower stress and help you maintain focus on the job.
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recognise the signs of "Pleasanteeism".
It is also important to recognise the signs of "pleasanteeism", which is the habit of putting on a brave face when you are actually struggling. We encourage you to reach out to a Mental Health First Aider early rather than waiting for burnout to take hold.
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save the 24/7 helpline support.
Finally, we recommend that every member of our workforce saves the Construction Industry Helpline numbers to their phone for 24/7 support.
- UK: 0345 605 1956
- ROI: 1800 939 122
- Text: HARDHAT to 85258
