Energy industry member-led safety organisation Step Change in Safety, in partnership with Mental Health in Energy (MHIE) and the Marine Safety Forum, has published the report and key findings of its 2024 Wellbeing Survey, providing valuable insights into the current state of workforce wellbeing across the energy industry.
Recognising the critical importance of mental and physical health in maintaining a safe and productive workplace, Step Change in Safety developed the survey to gather valuable insights. The survey, which ran from June to August 2024 and saw over 1,300 respondents, was designed to identify and better understand the wellbeing challenges faced by those working in the industry and was open to all employees, including offshore and onshore workers, contractors, and support staff.
The findings will be instrumental in shaping future initiatives and support systems to enhance safety, care, and overall wellbeing in the sector.
The main report findings are split into five sections:
- General Health & Wellbeing
- Awareness of Support for Mental, Physical and Financial Health
- Organisational and Management Culture Towards Mental Health
- External Factors Impacting Upon Mental Health
- Purpose and Community
Key Findings Include:
- There is a clear need for more accessible mental health and wellbeing support, especially for offshore workforce and those with non-traditional work schedules such as night shift workers and those in remote locations.
- Stigma around mental health remains a key barrier; increasing education, awareness campaigns, and open conversations within organisations is crucial.
- Support strategies must be tailored to the specific needs of different sectors within the energy industry to effectively address their unique challenges.
- A culture of openness around mental health and wellbeing should be fostered through visible support services, peer support programs, and training for managerial staff to recognise and address mental health concerns.
The response to the survey reflects a strong willingness among workers to share their experiences and contribute to meaningful change. Participation was entirely voluntary and anonymous, ensuring that individuals could express their views candidly and confidentially.
Craig Wiggins, CEO of Step Change in Safety says: “The results of this survey will play a crucial role in shaping the next steps for wellbeing initiatives across the energy industry. Step Change in Safety and its partners are committed to using these insights to develop targeted resources, policies, and support mechanisms that foster a more resilient and supported workforce.”
Craig continues: “Key recommendations from the survey include tailoring mental health support to specific sector needs, addressing stigma through education, fostering open communication, and training managers in mental health awareness. Enhancing access to facilities, promoting flexible policies, and improving inclusion for offshore and atypical workers could mitigate isolation and stress, ultimately boosting satisfaction and well-being across the workforce.
"The wellbeing of our workforce is paramount, and these findings give us a clearer picture of the challenges individuals are facing. By understanding these issues, we can implement meaningful changes that promote a stronger culture of safety, care, and overall wellbeing.”
For more information and to access the full report, please visit https://www.stepchangeinsafety.net/resources/wellbeing-survey-report-2025/