BUILDING MENTAL HEALTH THE YSCSI’S MEMBER SURVEY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING SHOWS THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE PROFESSION.
M
ental health and well-being are watchwords for professionals as the shadow of Covid-19 still looms large. The SCSI’s Young Members’ Committee (YSCSI) is leading the way in supporting members, and
recently circulated a survey that garnered over 500 responses.
How many is too many? Since the onset of the global pandemic, 38% of respondents reported a decline in mental health and well-being, with 32% feeling they have developed some form of mental ill health. These results align with similar studies carried out by Trinity College Dublin and St James’s Hospital, and point to a need for tools to assist individuals and employers alike. The impact of the pandemic is well reported. However, underlying issues such as bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination should not be ignored. A staggering 75% of respondents have experienced bullying at some point in their career, 43% have experienced discrimination, and 11% sexual harassment. Some 84% have never reported these incidents. On a positive note, the majority feel supported by their current employer (65%) and feel comfortable asking for help and advice (63%). The data is further supported by 51% reporting that their companies provide supports around mental health awareness. Covid-19 has been a catalyst for change, and while 48% noted that Covid-19 has had a negative influence on work–life balance, 32% reported a positive impact on work–life balance, despite a majority of 68% feeling that working from home has resulted in longer working hours overall. A total of 78% reported that genuine mistakes are a learning experience. The industry has a strong learning culture, as prospective SCSI members work with a supervisor and counsellor to aid their professional development towards Charter.
FEATURE Dr Mary Collins Chartered Coaching Psychologist
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SURVEYORS JOURNAL Volume 11, Issue 1, Spring 2021
James Lonergan Director of Education and Membership, SCSI
