MENTAL HE ALTH


From Burnout to Balance: How Tech Can and Should Improve Mental Health


BY ELIZABETH TORREZ, TENNA T


he construction industry, a cor- nerstone of our infrastructure, grapples with mental health.


According to a study by the University of Cambridge, 70% of construction workers report feeling stressed at work, while a 2020 survey in the United States showed 14.3% of construction workers struggled with anxiety and nearly 6% struggled with depression. Long workdays, job site hazards and


isolation all contribute to the demands of this high stress career. Compounding this, the influx of new tools meant to make work easier for workers can actually add to the pressure. When outdated or disjointed technol-


ogy is introduced without proper training or integrations, it creates confusion. So instead of easing workloads, poorly im- plemented technology ends up making workers feel overwhelmed and frustrated.


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR MAY/JUNE 2025


However, when thoughtfully deployed, technology can and should alleviate burdens at work and foster a culture of well-being by: • simplifying workflows, • automating routine tasks, • providing more safety, • and enhancing visibility across teams.


Te right tech can empower workers,


reduce manual workloads, streamline operations and build trust—all of which contribute to less stress and higher job satisfaction.


Worker Fatigue and Frustration with Poor Technology Adoption Technology is supposed to make con- struction safer, faster, and more predict- able. But when tools are poorly integrated, overly complex, or lack industry-spe- cific focus, they can backfire. Workers


are expected to adapt to cumbersome software, jump between platforms, and troubleshoot issues without support. Te result? Cognitive fatigue. In fact, according to Adobe’s “Future


of Time” survey, 70% of generation Z employees say they’d leave their job for access to better technology. With- out access to smart technology, worker confidence erodes and stress increases. A better approach is to:


• Gain employee buy-in when introducing technology by clearly articulating how the tool is intended to solve a specific task or workflow challenge.


• Choose construction-specific solutions designed for field usability.


• Train intentionally, with hands-on support.


• Listen to worker feedback and adjust based on real-world use.


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