Less stressed? Tradie survey suggests wellbeing’s getting better

Builders and tradies are holding up well despite a major downturn in the building industry over the last 18 months, according to recently released survey findings. 

The Live Well Build Well programme questioned 641 builders and tradies across New Zealand and found wellbeing scores for workers are similar to last year and remain slightly below the overall New Zealand adult average. 

For most builders and tradies, stress has reduced slightly over the past year, and significantly over the last three years. In 2025, 25% report being rarely stressed, and 52% said they were sometimes stressed. However, 25% still say they are stressed always, or most of the time. 

Compared to 2024, this year’s results found builders and tradies are getting involved in fewer activities that might positively impact their wellbeing, however. This suggests more encouragement is needed for builders and tradies, by people they trust, to make the extra effort to plan simple wellbeing actions throughout their day.  

The most popular wellbeing activities for builders and tradies are connecting socially, exercising, having a good diet, relaxation, helping others and keeping organised. 

Overall job satisfaction remained similar to last year, but work life balance has increased. However, over 25% of builders and tradies say they still struggle to find the work life balance they want. 

Reflecting nationwide instability in the sector, 15% expressed that inconsistent or insufficient hours were a key challenge in their jobs, compared to 8% in 2024. 

Engagement with Live Well Build Well 

Awareness of Live Well Build Well, through social media, industry organisations and word of mouth, increased from 18% in 2024 to 22% in 2025. 

For those who are engaged with Live Well Build Well, using programme resources has increased significantly over the last year — including listening to tradies sharing their mental health stories (from 32% to 38%) and tips on improving mental fitness (from 20% to 28%). Those reporting that the programme aided their emotional health doubled from 3% to 6%.