After three years of data, we now have a clear picture of how tradies are doing and where support is working. Here’s what the 2025 survey tells us.
Stress Levels improving
10% drop in high stress since 2023.Good news! Stress is decreasing in residential construction. Fewer workers report feeling stressed out on the job. Things are looking up!
Workmates matter more than ever
Peer connection is the top support.The #1 action people take to support their wellbeing? Talking to workmates. Connection on site continues to be the strongest peorective factor.
Chat with your crew!
Wellbeing vs. NZ Average
23% reporting poor wellbeingTradies are reporting better emotional wellbing and less loneliness. Still,overall scores haven't quaite caught up to the national average yet. Lets's keep it going!
Tradies are taking action!
Culture shift from reactive to proactive coping strattegies
More workers are actively looking after their mental fitness. From chats to exercise to routines, people are taking inititative. Keep it up!
Live Well Build Well Key Highlights!
Work-Life Balance
94% say work-life balance is important, but only two-thirds are satisfied. Work-life balance is super important, but many aren’t satisfied. This hasn’t improved much lately. Something’s gotta give!
LWBW Awareness
38% listening to tradies’ mental health stories. Awareness of LWBW is growing fast. More people are using tools to manage stress. Awareness has tripled since 2023!
Programme Impact
22% of workers have heard of LWBW. Users say LWBW helps manage stress, improve habits, think clearly, and start conversations. Simple tools, real impact!
Awareness and engagement is up
One standout finding is the increased engagement with LWBW itself.
“Tradies aren’t just more open to talking about mental fitness, they’re acting on it,” says Rafael Caso, Programme Lead at LWBW.
“We’re seeing a shift from awareness to habit. It’s daily actions that build resilience, not once-a-year campaigns.”
“What’s exciting is that we now have three years of independent data showing what works. This isn’t just good intentions. We’re starting to embed mental fitness as a norm in the trades, and that’s a big culture shift.”
Using data to drive change
The annual wellbeing survey plays a vital role in tracking progress, identifying new risks, and validating what works. The results are used to inform content development, champion training, Toolbox Talks, digital resources, and industry messaging.
The survey is a cornerstone of LWBW’s broader mission: to strengthen the culture of mental fitness across Aotearoa’s construction sector. Its strength lies not just in the data, but in how it reflects lived experience within the trades.