Through exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) builders in New Zealand, this research finds itself at the nexus of the social and business management sciences. A literature review of the mental health and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19 on construction firms identified financial wellbeing and future construction pipeline concerns as key stressors for SME builders.

Taking a resolutions-based approach, the research concludes with a consideration of measures to support the future resilience of SME operations and consequent mental health and wellbeing of owners and employees. Although not representing a quick fix to historical or current mental health and wellbeing issues facing the construction industry, the research does address a root cause of long-term stress and psychosocial and mental disharmony.