Investigating the impacts of psychological safety climate on mental ill health in the Vietnamese construction industry

Purpose – Mental ill health is prevalent among construction workers due to high job demands and unsafe working conditions. Psychological safety climate (PSC) has emerged as a potential solution for improving workplace mental health. However, there is still limited understanding of how different dimensions of PSC influence mental ill health. Thus, this study aims to explore the impact of PSC on the mental ill health of construction employees in the Vietnamese context. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 238 construction professionals using a non-probability sampling method. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between various PSC dimensions and mental ill health. Findings – The findings revealed that management commitment and management priority have the most significant influence on reducing mental ill health in the Vietnamese construction sector. While organizational communication and participation contribute, their impact is less pronounced but crucial in promoting employee well-being. Originality/value – Firms should actively promote mental well-being by visibly prioritizing psychological health alongside productivity and providing resources for stress prevention. For policymakers, these findings suggest the need for regulations that encourage or mandate mental health programs. Additionally, the study highlights the need for employees to engage with mental health initiatives to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health discussions in the workplace.