Manufacturing may look like steel and machines, but beneath the surface, a mental health storm is brewing — especially in male-dominated sectors like aerospace and construction.
High suicide rates reveal a crisis Manufacturing industries such as aerospace report a shocking 147.5 male suicides per 100,000 workers, over four times the national average for men. Construction workers aren’t far behind, facing nearly four times the suicide risk compared to the general population. These figures aren’t just numbers; they’re colleagues, friends, and family lost too soon. Experts link these tragedies to factors such as long hours away from home, high stress, financial insecurity, and a culture discouraging vulnerability.
Changing the culture: Companies leading by example Some manufacturers are turning the tide by prioritizing culture and communication. For example, in food manufacturing, companies like Heck Food have blended creativity and openness into their hiring and daily routines. Instead of punishment, they use humor and support to deal with mistakes, helping employees feel valued and safe.
Bernard Matthews goes a step further by embedding wellbeing into operations: prayer rooms, mental health first aiders onsite, bereavement support, and regular wellbeing check-ins. These real steps help workers feel cared for—and stick around longer.
Speaking up and breaking stigma The construction industry is a loud example of the need for change. Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey chapter calls on leaders to recognize that safety is more than hard hats and harnesses—it’s mental health too. They encourage workers to seek help, access resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and create a culture where asking for support is strength, not weakness.
A roadmap to resilience Mental health in manufacturing isn’t a solo problem; it’s a workforce challenge. Addressing it means:
- Fostering open conversations to break the silence
- Providing practical resources and support
- Normalizing mental health as part of safety and productivity
- Encouraging creativity and flexibility in job roles
By shifting the conversation from stigma to support, these industries can help their most valuable asset—the people—thrive.
It’s clear: taking care of mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move that saves lives and strengthens the bottom line.
We’re finally seeing the beginnings of real change. The question is—will every manufacturer join in?
References:
- https://huntsvillebusinessjournal.com/news/2025/06/23/mental-health-is-a-bottom%E2%80%91line-issue-lessons-from-former-kaiser-executive-adam-nemer/
- https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2025/06/retaining-talent-in-food-manufacturing-why-culture-communication-and-creativity-matter-more-than-ever/
- https://njbiz.com/abc-nj-construction-mental-health-suicide-prevention/
- https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/comp360-psilocybin-for-treatment-resistant-depression-positive-phase-3-efficacy-data
- https://www.nivati.com/blog/what-no-one-tells-you-about-mental-health-in-the-trades
- https://ivypanda.com/essays/words/400-words-essay-examples/
- https://www.manufacturing.net/artificial-intelligence/blog/22927635/safety-trends-to-look-for-in-2025
- https://www.undrr.org/media/107230/download?startDownload=20250621
