The Heart Attack That Changed…
There is something frighteningly ordinary about the day Dave Harris experienced the heart incident that changed his life. He woke up early, travelled into London, grabbed food and coffee on…
Our Latest Mental Health and Well-being Blogs
Helpful Reads, Tips and Knowledge
Construction can be tough on both the body and the mind but too many people still feel like they have to struggle in silence. The Onward Shift blog is here to change that through honest conversations, real stories, practical support and insights that actually relate to life in construction from stress, burnout and mental health to relationships, purpose, recovery and workplace wellbeing, these blogs are designed to help people feel understood, supported and less alone.
Blogs For You To Browse
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The Man You Were Before…
Ask most men who they are and they will usually tell you what they do. They will talk about their job, their responsibilities, their relationship, their role in the family…
The Real Secret to Improving…
Why Construction Productivity Is Really a People Problem Productivity has become one of the biggest talking points in construction and for good reason. Rising material costs, labour shortages, tighter profit…
Benefits of Therapy for Men:…
The Conversation Men Are Still Avoiding Let’s be honest. When most men hear the word therapy, they don’t immediately think, “That sounds like a good idea.” For many, the reaction…
How to Spot Someone Struggling…
The Warning Signs We Would Never Ignore on Site If someone walked onto a construction site wearing damaged PPE, working near exposed live cables or standing on unstable scaffolding, most…
Beyond the Man Code: Masculinity,…
What does it actually mean to be a strong man today? It sounds like a simple question but the answer feels more complicated than ever for generations, many men were…
Mental Health Must Become the…
In 1974, Health and Safety recorded 166 fatalities in construction due to workplace incidents. By March 2025, that number had reduced to 35. Now let me be clear, 35 deaths…
Electrician to Keynote Speaker: The…
What Mental Health Really Looks Like in Construction Two years ago, back in 2024, I was an electrician woking on the tools while managing my own business. Like many business…
How to Control Anger: A…
In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it's easy to overlook one of the most crucial aspects of our well-being: mental health. Often overshadowed by physical health, mental health is just…
How to Deal With Grief:…
No One Teaches You How to Grieve You go through life learning how to earn money, how to build a career, how to fix problems and how to show up…
The Truth About Male Suicide…
Male Suicide in Construction Is Still Being Misunderstood If you work in construction, you’ve probably heard the statistic by now. Suicide is one of the biggest killers of men under…
Gambling Addiction, ADHD and Mental…
Conversations around mental health are slowly becoming more common in industries like construction but addiction is still one of the topics that often remains hidden in the shadows. People will…
Mental Health in Construction Resources:…
In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it's easy to overlook one of the most crucial aspects of our well-being: mental health. Often overshadowed by physical health, mental health is just…
Why Small Rituals Can Help…
In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it's easy to overlook one of the most crucial aspects of our well-being: mental health. Often overshadowed by physical health, mental health is just…
From Survival to Safety Leadership
Mental health in construction is often spoken about in statistics. Rates. Percentages. Headlines. We talk about numbers because they feel measurable. Safer and easier to handle however behind every statistic…
4-7-8 Breathing Technique for Stress…
How to Regain Control in 60 Seconds Seven years ago, I was sitting in a therapist’s room feeling like my body had decided to turn against me. My chest felt…
Find Work in the Construction…
If you’re thinking about getting into the construction industry in the UK, you’re probably standing at a crossroads. Maybe you’re 16 and you enjoy building things with your hands. Maybe…
When Pressure Finally Catches Up
If you’ve ever sat in your van before a shift, engine running, head racing, wondering how you’re supposed to crack on like nothing’s wrong then you’re not the only one.…
Learning the Art of Saying…
If you work in construction, there’s a good chance you’ve become very good at saying YES, often without even thinking about it. Yes to staying late. Yes to covering someone…
Addiction, Culture & Real Talk…
Construction has always been good at one thing, cracking on! No matter how rough the night was. No matter what’s going on at home. No matter how heavy your head…
A Letter to Every Construction…
To every construction worker reading this, whether you’re on the tools, managing a site, working nights, running a gang, leading a project, supervising a team or simply trying to hold…
12 Questions the Construction Industry…
Let’s be honest, the words construction and mental health haven’t always gone hand in hand. For decades, construction earned a reputation for being tough, demanding and relentless. It became an…
Staff Retention, Mental Health and…
The UK construction industry has always been at the heart of progress from the bridges that connect our cities to the homes that shape our communities, our sector builds the…
Masculinity, Suicide Prevention and Mental…
The Conversation We Cannot Afford to Avoid World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to talk about a subject that many people still find uncomfortable. It is a chance to…
Why We Need More Women…
From Apprentices to CEOs When you picture the construction industry, what comes to mind? For many, it is still rows of men in hi-vis jackets and hard hats but that…
The Power of Speech and…
Building Better Communicators from Apprentice to CEO Communication is a tool more powerful than any hammer, drill or crane. On a construction site, it can mean the difference between a…
Why Financial Wellbeing is a…
In the UK construction industry, safety discussions traditionally focus on physical hazards hard hats, harnesses, scaffolding and machinery safety but there’s an equally critical risk that often goes unnoticed: financial…
Inclusion in the Construction Industry
Why Inclusion Is Non-Negotiable in Construction The UK construction sector is a powerhouse: over 2 million people employed and around 7% of national GDP generated. Yet, it remains one of…
The Art of Listening: Mental…
Introduction: A Shift in the Right Direction The conversation around mental health in the construction industry has come a long way in recent years. Campaigns urging workers to ask their…
The Power of Open Communication
In today’s ever-evolving world, mental health has become a central concern for individuals, communities and workplaces. With the stresses of modern living, economic instability and rising social pressures, more people…
Construction Toolbox Talks
In the construction industry, where the focus traditionally lies on physical safety, productivity and project delivery, mental health has often been a neglected topic. However, as awareness grows about the…
The Ripple Effect of Workplace…
Workplace safety is often viewed in terms of compliance and statistics. However, behind every workplace accident is a human story often one of pain, perseverance and profound transformation. The Onward…
Onward Shift Podcast is Changing…
Construction is one of the toughest industries to work in. It’s physically demanding, deadline-driven and often defined by a “just get on with it” culture. The long hours, the pressure,…
Understanding Mental Health in the…
Construction is one of the most physically demanding and hazardous industries in the world. The long hours, heavy workloads, high-risk environments and constant pressure to meet deadlines can take their…
The Construction Industry: A Mental…
In construction, we understand the importance of solid foundations. We build homes, hospitals, bridges and skylines that will stand for decades. Yet beneath the steel, concrete and high-vis jackets, the…
Brick by Brick Building Better…
Construction has always valued resilience. We admire the people who turn up in every kind of weather, solve problems under pressure and keep projects moving when the programme feels impossible.…
The Struggles in Construction and…
I have spent over 15 years working in construction as an electrician. During that time, I have met some of the most dependable, skilled and hardworking people you could ever…
Addressing Mental Health and Loneliness…
A construction site can be one of the busiest places imaginable. People are moving in every direction, radios are going off, trades are working alongside each other and somebody always…
Where Are All the Male…
I have spent years encouraging men to speak more openly about their mental health, particularly those working in construction. We tell men that asking for help is a sign of…
The Power of Keynote Speaking
Whenever I stand in front of a construction audience, I know there will usually be a few people wondering what a mental health talk has to do with them. Some…
Person Centred Counselling in the…
Construction is built around solving problems. If something is not level, you adjust it. If a circuit is faulty, you test it. If the programme is slipping, you work out…
Integrative Counselling in the Construction…
Construction asks people to adapt every day. Programmes change, materials arrive late, jobs overrun and workers are expected to solve problems while keeping one eye on quality and the other…
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental…
Picture this. Three blokes are sitting on a park bench on a warm spring day. The sun is out, a light breeze moves through the trees and the smell of…
Coaching and Counselling in the…
Imagine two people leaving the same construction site at the end of the day. One has recently been promoted and is struggling to lead people who were their workmates only…
The Journey of Onward Shift
Have you ever started something with so much passion that you could picture exactly where it was going, only to lose sight of that picture somewhere along the way? What…
Mental Health is Critical in…
“Work stays at work. Home stays at home.” We have all heard some version of that sentence. It sounds sensible. Keep things separate, stay professional and do not bring your…
The Power of Consistency
What My Toolbox Taught Me About Progress Consistency is one of those words we hear so often that it can start to lose its meaning. It appears in conversations about…
Neurodiversity in UK Construction
A Call to Rethink How People Are Expected to Work Construction relies on standards. We work to drawings, regulations, programmes and agreed methods because consistency matters when you are building…
PPMs and Mental Health: A…
What Maintenance Taught Me About Looking After People Anyone who has worked in maintenance will understand the value of planned preventive maintenance, usually shortened to PPM. Whether you are responsible…
The Sadness Around Mental Health…
Two Conversations I Cannot Ignore It was worse than I thought. Much worse. I had spent years working in construction. I knew about the long days, the pressure, the uncertainty…
Setting Standards for Domestic Job…
Why Toilets, Water and Electricity Should Be Discussed Before Work Begins When you prepare a quotation for work in somebody’s home, do you mention access to a working toilet, clean…
Bridging the Generational Gap in…
The Industry Cannot Afford to Lose What Its People Know After more than 15 years working as an electrician, I can still remember lessons that never appeared in a textbook.…
Construction Industry Challenges: Shining a…
Construction Workers Deserve Dignity, Not Judgement There is something we need to talk about in construction, and it has nothing to do with productivity targets, project programmes or how quickly…
It’s Time for a Change…
The construction industry is one of the most physically demanding and hazardous professions in the world. But beneath the hard hats and steel toe cap boots lies another, often invisible…
The Reality of Loneliness in…
Running your own business can give you freedom, purpose and the chance to build something that reflects who you are. It can also feel incredibly lonely. That is the part…
My Daily Battle with ADHD:…
People sometimes ask me whether I see ADHD as a superpower or a burden. My honest answer is that it depends on the day. There are times when my brain…
Recharging for a Healthier You:…
Rest Is Part of the Job: Recharging Before Construction Drains You Construction is very good at maintaining things. We service equipment, inspect tools, test systems and replace worn components before…
How Coaching Can Improve Your…
Can Coaching Improve Your Mental Health? What Good Coaching Can and Cannot Do Coaching can support your mental wellbeing, but we need to be honest about what that means. A…
Let’s Change the Narrative: We…
You Can Burn Out Doing Work You Love There is a line I have seen repeated many times online: “You will not burn out doing something you love.” It sounds…
Passing Down Wisdom: Helping Young…
Passing Down Wisdom: Helping Young People Navigate Mental Health and Support When we talk about preparing young people for the future, the conversation usually centres on qualifications, practical skills and…
A Simple Act Can Make…
In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, it’s easy to overlook the simple gestures that can make a significant difference in someone’s life. This week, I want to…
The Past Doesn’t Define You:…
Life is a journey, a winding path filled with countless experiences, memories, and lessons that shape our identities and perspectives. Each twist and turn along the way contributes to the…
Breaking Barriers: Mental Health, Coaching…
Fifty years ago, the concept of mental health was often met with skepticism and misunderstanding. Picture this: someone mentioning that they were visiting a mental health specialist. The reactions back…
Reevaluating Hustle Culture: Finding Balance…
In today’s fast-paced world, the allure of hustle culture is undeniable. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that constant work and relentless productivity are the keys to success…
Bored of Routine, Looking for…
Do you wake up every morning dreading the day ahead, feeling trapped in the monotony of your job? Are you longing for a change but unsure how to break free…
The Difference Between Nutrition and…
Here, we delve into the key differences between nutrition and exercise and explore how they synergise to enhance your well-being.
Managing Expectations in Relationships
Setting expectations is inevitable when it comes to relationships, whether romantic, family, or friendships; however, setting high expectations can often lead to disappointment and strain.
Taking On Life’s Journey: 10…
Life is unpredictable, with challenges, opportunities, and countless decisions. Navigating this complex path can often feel overwhelming, leaving many seeking guidance and clarity.
Tips for ADHD in the…
Living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in the construction and engineering sectors isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s a daily endeavour that blends creative problem-solving with adaptability. Every day…
Thriving as an Entrepreneur in…
Entrepreneurship is often romanticised as an exhilarating journey filled with freedom, creativity, and success. While it can be all those things, the entrepreneurial lifestyle also comes with its fair share…
Why Mental Health Matters in…
In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it's easy to overlook one of the most crucial aspects of our well-being: mental health. Often overshadowed by physical health, mental health is just…
