The Strain of Long Hours and Overtime

Construction projects often demand long shifts and unexpected overtime. While extra hours may help deadlines and pay packets, the toll on mental health can be significant when long days become the norm.

Why Long Hours Create Stress

Extended shifts can lead to:

• Physical exhaustion that makes concentration harder

• Less time with family and friends, leading to isolation

• Difficulty maintaining healthy routines like exercise and proper meals

• A constant sense of burnout when rest never feels enoughOver time, this drains both morale and motivation.

How the Strain Shows Up on Site

Signs include:

• Workers arriving tired and leaving even more worn down

• Short tempers and conflicts between team members

• Increased mistakes from lapses in focus

• More absences due to stress and fatigueThese signals show the true cost of endless hours.

Ways to Support Workers Facing Long Hours

1. Plan Rotas Fairly – avoid giving the same workers the heaviest schedules.

2. Encourage Real Breaks – rest during shifts reduces mistakes later.

3. Monitor Fatigue – supervisors should check in when workers are struggling.

4. Recognise Effort – appreciate the sacrifice that comes with long days.

Why This Matters

Pushing workers too hard may get short-term gains, but in the long run it increases risks and lowers quality. Balanced hours help build stronger teams and safer projects.

Final Thought

Long hours will always be part of construction at times, but protecting workers’ wellbeing means making sure they do not become the standard. Rest is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

Construction Sport continues to raise awareness of the hidden pressures in construction, making sure mental health is valued alongside productivity.