Atkins Search Quarter 2 Newsletter 2025-2026
Life at Atkins Search
Halfway Through Our August Move Challenge: Construction Recruitment Agency Takes Action for Mental Health
As we reach the halfway point of our August Move Challenge, the team at Atkins Search reflects on why mental health advocacy has become central to our construction recruitment mission. With extensive experience connecting top construction talent across the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire, North West and London, we’ve witnessed firsthand the mental health challenges facing our industry.
The Stark Reality: Construction Mental Health Statistics
The construction sector faces a mental health crisis that demands immediate attention:
These numbers represent fathers, sons, brothers and colleagues whose lives could be saved through open conversation and proper support systems.
Why Construction Recruitment Agencies Must Lead Mental Health Initiatives
Construction recruitment agencies have a responsibility to lead on mental health initiatives, given the high prevalence of mental health challenges in the industry and their unique position to drive positive change. By taking a proactive approach, agencies can help improve worker wellbeing, reduce safety risks, boost productivity, and attract as well as retain top talent. As construction recruitment specialists, we understand the unique challenges our candidates face:
High-Stress Environments
- Tight project deadlines
- Budget constraints
- Health and safety responsibilities
Job Insecurity
- Project-based employment
- Economic uncertainty
- Irregular income streams
Physical and Mental Demands
- Long working hours
- Time away from family
- Physically demanding roles
Cultural Barriers
- Stigma around mental health discussions
- “Tough it out” mentality
- Limited workplace support systems
Our Role as Construction Recruitment Experts
Construction recruitment agencies are uniquely positioned to drive change. We interact with both employers and job seekers, giving us insight into workplace cultures and the opportunity to advocate for better mental health support.
Through our permanent recruitment, temporary staffing and retained search services, we can:
- Promote companies with strong mental health policies
- Advise clients on implementing Employee Assistance Programmes
- Connect candidates with supportive employers
- Raise awareness about available resources
The August Move Challenge: Halfway Progress Report
Team Commitment in Action
Our entire team has embraced the challenge with 100% participation :
- Training group: 10 miles weekly (preparing for our Lake District challenge)
- Active participation group: 4 miles weekly
- Collective goal: Raising awareness and funds for Tough to Talk
10 MILE GROUP:
1st Antony Rowe – 28.94 miles
2nd Amy Hutchinson – 28.23 miles
3rd Ashleigh Curwood – 26.06 miles
4 MILE GROUP:
1st Jess White – 37.20 miles
2nd Jess Jones – 25.36 miles
3rd Alex Edwards – 20.97 miles
Why Movement Matters for Mental Health
Movement, in the form of regular physical activity, is vital for supporting good mental health. Exercise can lift mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost cognitive function. By making movement a consistent part of daily life, individuals can benefit from improved overall wellbeing, greater emotional resilience and a stronger sense of control over their mental state.
Our bodies and minds are connected. Taking care of ourselves physically also helps prevent issues with our mental health.
Movement is a fantastic way to boost our wellbeing. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking can lift our mood and increase mental alertness and energy. Physical activity helps us feel better about our bodies and improves self-esteem. It can also reduce stress and anxiet, and promote better sleep.
For construction workers facing high-pressure environments, regular movement can be a powerful tool for maintaining mental wellbeing.
Supporting Tough to Talk
Tough to Talk’s dedication to male suicide prevention aligns perfectly with our values as a construction recruitment agency. Their evidence-based approach to breaking down barriers and encouraging open conversations directly addresses the challenges we see in our industry.
Every donation to our campaign funds vital conversations that save lives. By supporting our August Move Challenge, you’re contributing to:
- Mental health awareness programmes
- Crisis intervention services
- Educational initiatives for construction companies
- Support networks for men in high-risk industries
Donate to our GoFundMe campaign here
How Construction Recruitment Agencies Can Drive Change
Construction recruitment agencies have an important role to play in improving mental health within the industry. They can do this by actively raising awareness, providing access to support resources, and fostering a culture of openness and understanding. Through the recruitment process, agencies can also influence the practices of construction companies by highlighting the importance of mental health considerations and advocating for workplace cultures that are genuinely supportive.
Client Advisory Services
- Recommend Employee Assistance Programmes during recruitment consultations
- Highlight mental health benefits in job specifications
- Advise on industry-leading mental health policies
Candidate Support
- Provide information about workplace mental health resources
- Connect candidates with supportive employers
- Maintain ongoing relationships beyond placement
Industry Leadership
- Partner with mental health charities
- Share mental health resources on professional platforms
- Advocate for industry-wide change
The Future of Construction Mental Health
The future of mental health in construction relies on a proactive shift towards placing employee wellbeing on an equal footing with physical safety. This means raising awareness, fostering open conversations and ensuring support systems are easily accessible. Initiatives such as Tough to Talk are helping to drive this change by working to remove the stigma around mental health challenges and encouraging open dialogue. The industry is also placing greater emphasis on proactive measures, including mental health first aid training, promoting a healthy work–life balance and embedding mental health support into existing safety protocols.
Long-term Change Through Recruitment
Construction recruitment agencies have the power to influence industry culture by:
- Prioritising companies with strong mental health policies
- Educating clients about the business case for mental health support
- Supporting candidates in finding mentally healthy workplaces
- Measuring success beyond financial metrics
Get Involved: Supporting Our August Move Challenge
Donate: Every contribution supports Tough to Talk’s life-saving work
Follow our LinkedIn for regular updates
Construction Recruitment Services Across the UK
As a Nottingham-based construction recruitment agency, Atkins Search provides:
Atkins Search is a Nottingham-based construction recruitment agency providing Permanent, Temporary, and Retained Search recruitment solutions across the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, London, and Yorkshire. We are recognised as one of the UK’s most trusted recruitment partners.
Our construction recruitment specialists cover:
- Civil engineering
- Residential development
- Commercial construction
- Infrastructure projects
- Consultancy services
- Executive leadership roles
As we continue through the second half of our August Move Challenge, we’re reminded that small actions create significant change. Whether it’s a 4-mile walk or a 10-mile training session, every step supports our mission to break the silence surrounding male suicide in construction.
By supporting initiatives like our August Move Challenge, we can work together to create an industry where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Contact us today to discuss your construction recruitment needs or learn more about our mental health advocacy work.
How can construction companies improve mental health support?
Companies can implement comprehensive mental health policies, provide Employee Assistance Programmes, conduct regular training and create peer support networks. Contact our recruitment team as they can advise on best practices.
What makes construction workers particularly vulnerable to mental health issues?
The combination of high-stress environments, job insecurity, physical demands and cultural stigma creates unique challenges for construction workers' mental wellbeing.
How do recruitment agencies contribute to mental health improvements?
We can promote companies with strong mental health support, advise clients on implementing better policies and connect candidates with supportive employers.
Can I still donate to your August Move Challenge?
Absolutely! Visit our GoFundMe page to support Tough to Talk's vital work in male suicide prevention.
