Project management support to underpin your team’s wellbeing

Your engineering team needs great project management support so they can focus on technical delivery at a fast pace. Building resilience is crucial for success in project management, especially in high-pressure environments like engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) because otherwise, people leave their jobs when they need a fresh start to reset. And what we often see on projects is plenty of people working hard, but because the project was not set up for success and the contract deliverables weren’t clear, they are stressed to the point where their resilience is overstretched.

Stress affects our mental wellbeing and productivity, as well as impacting the way we communicate with our colleagues. Which can have disastrous knock-on effects, if the timescales are tight on the project and the technical deliverables are all co-dependent. As November is the month for International Men’s Day and Movember, the charity which supports men’s physical and head health issues, it’s the time to highlight what can be happening both on site and in head office. 

Supporting men’s mental health to improve resilience 

When team members operate under stress without the right support, the risks of burnout and project delays increase. At Coron, we see the importance of prioritising mental health and well-being for men because a healthy environment can and does improve project outcomes.  

The project management and engineering industries have traditionally been male dominated. According to 2023 research from the Project Management Institute (PMI), male project managers outnumber females by a ratio of 3:1. Similarly, in 2021, women made up just 16.5% of the UK engineering workforce (Engineering UK). Although companies are trying to increase diversity, most teams are still predominantly male where addressing their mental and emotional well-being is often overlooked. 

Men working in complex projects are frequently under pressure, with demanding deadlines and technical dependencies. Unfortunately, the “tough it out” mentality persists, making it difficult for men to express their challenges or seek help. Project management support is typically focused on milestones, budgets and schedules. Despite efforts to manage stakeholders, there isn’t a great focus on team building or mentoring. When team members feel overwhelmed and demotivated, communication deteriorates, and delays increase. This creates an unhealthy culture where people change jobs to address their stress levels, and burnout can happen. And if some are suffering, it can have a ripple effect across entire teams which threatens the success of a project.  

Building resilience within project teams starts by addressing these stressors and ensuring that communication and mental health is a priority. But how can this be achieved, especially in industries where discussions around mental health are still stigmatised? 

Well-being – a personal reflection 

On World Suicide Prevention Day, our Coron leader wrote his personal reflections on his mental health after coping with the physical pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia. He shared, “In 2019, things could have been so different for me. More importantly, it could have been so different for my family and friends. It wasn’t until 2022 that I finally spoke up, and even now, sharing this is hard. We matter. I matter. You matter. You matter to those around you and to those who love you. You are not alone.” 

This reflection is one voice highlighting a significant and often hidden crisis in male-dominated environments: male suicide. In high-pressure industries like engineering or project management, men can struggle to admit to experiencing stress or mental health issues. Long hours, heavy workloads, and the constant pressure to meet deadlines exacerbate feelings of isolation and hopelessness. According to a report from the Mental Health Foundation, workplace stress has a direct correlation with higher rates of depression and anxiety, both of which are major risk factors for suicidal thoughts. And it cannot be ignored because the statistics are staggering: 

• In the UK, men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates and men accounted for 75% of all suicides in 2021. 

• Globally, nearly three times as many men die by suicide as women. 

The stigma around seeking help, coupled with pressures from work and societal expectations, contributes significantly to these statistics. For many men, the reluctance to talk about their struggles means they don’t reach out until the pressure is too great. This is why initiatives like World Suicide Prevention Day and services such as the Samaritans (116 123) and Shout UK (text SHOUT to 85258) are vital. They provide immediate support for those in crisis, reminding us that every conversation can make a difference. 

Project management support to build mental and emotional resilience 

At Coron, we aim to encourage men to build resilience by becoming more aware of their mental health. Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about developing the strength to adapt, recover, and thrive amidst challenges. This involves creating a culture where men feel safe to speak up, share their concerns, and seek support without fear of judgment. Outside of work, journaling is one tool to help empty the thoughts from our brains and become more aware of what we need to help de-stress. Another is tool is meditation or gentle exercise like Qi Gong or Yoga. To foster resilience, project leaders should focus on several key strategies: 

1. Promote open communication: Normalize conversations around mental health. Leaders can set the tone by sharing their own experiences and actively listening to their teams. Regular check-ins and team-building activities can help create a more connected and supportive atmosphere. 

2. Encourage a healthy balance: Encourage taking breaks, disconnecting after work hours, and setting realistic expectations. Overwork and exhaustion are major contributors to poor mental health in high-pressure environments. 

3. Lead by example: Project leaders can model healthy behaviours, such as holding team talks and focusing on well-being. When leaders demonstrate resilience, it sets a positive precedent for the rest of the team. 

4. Focus on purpose and community: Ensure that every team member understands the project’s objectives and their role in achieving them. Creating a community approach to tackle deliverables with great project management support helps reduce uncertainty and the anxiety that comes with it. 

Resilience as a pathway to success 

Project success is not just about technical proficiency or meeting deadlines; it’s also about creating a resilient workforce that can handle setbacks, maintain productivity and think innovatively even under pressure. By prioritising mental and emotional health, particularly for men who may be less likely to seek help, project leaders can build stronger, more cohesive teams. In turn, these teams will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of high-stakes projects and deliver successful outcomes. 

Addressing mental health in male-dominated environments is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a fundamental part of being a good human. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait to reach out. There is support available. We matter. You matter. 

References: 

https://www.engineeringuk.com/research-policy/diversity-in-engineering/gender

https://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/women-in-project-management-2023