On World Mental Health Day, attention is often focused on mental well-being in the workplace, but some professions tend to be forgotten. Van drivers, who play a crucial role in keeping the UK economy running, are one such group. Despite their importance, their mental health struggles often go unnoticed.

Research conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in 2022 highlighted the issue. Many van drivers regularly work more than their scheduled hours, with over half feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs. Alarmingly, more than half of those surveyed had experienced mental health challenges in the previous year. These figures paint a troubling picture of the mental well-being of van drivers and emphasize the need for action.

The Hidden Burden

Van drivers face a host of stresses unique to their profession. Their workdays often involve navigating congested roads, dealing with tight delivery deadlines, and managing the physical demands of loading and unloading, plus for those van drivers who are tradesmen, there's also the work to be done on-site when they've finally reached their destination. According to the 2022 research, many drivers routinely work overtime, leading to exhaustion and burnout.

Adding to these pressures, van drivers frequently work alone, often without access to direct support from colleagues. This isolation, combined with the stress of meeting delivery targets, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Many drivers also struggle with financial worries, especially those who are self-employed, as they bear the additional burden of rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and inconsistent workloads.

Mental Health: A Growing Crisis

Volkswagen’s study revealed that more than half of van drivers had experienced mental health issues within a year. The pressures of the job, compounded by long hours and the demands of the road, often lead to anxiety, stress, and burnout. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in male-dominated sectors like logistics, makes it even harder for drivers to seek the help they need.

Given the scale of the problem, employers must take a more proactive role in supporting the mental well-being of van drivers. Practical, actionable steps can make a significant difference.

Practical Steps Employers Can Take

1. Provide Mental Health Training: Offering mental health first-aid training for managers and staff is essential. This enables them to spot the early signs of stress, burnout, or mental health issues in drivers. Mental health training can also equip drivers with tools to manage stress and improve emotional resilience.

2. Encourage Regular Breaks: Ensure drivers take adequate breaks during their shifts. Short breaks allow them to step out of the vehicle, stretch, and reset their minds. Promote breaks as essential for mental health and productivity, rather than a disruption to schedules.

3. Offer Flexible Scheduling: Avoid overburdening drivers with excessive overtime and encourage a better work-life balance. Offering flexible shift patterns or staggered shifts can help drivers manage their workload and maintain well-being.

4. Plan Routes Efficiently: Employers should optimize route planning to ensure drivers have the best flow throughout their day. Minimizing unnecessary detours and downtime helps reduce stress and creates a more manageable workday for drivers. Efficient routes also help prevent fatigue by ensuring that the day’s work doesn’t feel overwhelming.

5. Listen to Drivers’ Concerns: One of the simplest and most effective things employers can do is listen. Encourage an open-door policy where drivers can share concerns about their workload, safety, or general well-being. Work together to find practical resolutions to these issues, showing drivers that their voices matter and that the company is committed to improving their work experience.

6. Check In with Drivers Regularly: Make regular check-ins a priority. Ask drivers how they’re doing, both mentally and physically, and ensure they feel supported. Checking in goes beyond just asking about work—it’s about understanding how the demands of the job are affecting their overall well-being.

7. Create a Supportive Work Culture: Employers can foster a culture of openness and support around mental health. Peer support groups, mental health workshops, or regular mental health check-ins can help create a sense of community among drivers who often work in isolation.

8. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Ensure that drivers have access to mental health services, such as counseling, employee assistance programs, or teletherapy. Given the mobile nature of their job, offering flexible solutions like mental health apps or hotlines allows drivers to seek support whenever and wherever they need it.

9. Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Living: Encourage drivers to incorporate light physical activity into their day. Simple stretches, short walks, or exercises during breaks can combat the sedentary nature of their work. Additionally, promoting healthy eating habits while on the road can help improve both physical and mental health.

10. Recognize and Reward Efforts: Celebrate drivers' hard work and dedication. Offering recognition for safe driving, meeting goals, or exceeding expectations fosters a sense of pride and reduces feelings of overwhelm. Feeling appreciated and valued can significantly boost mental well-being.

11. Offer Financial and Legal Guidance: For many van drivers, financial pressures are a significant source of stress. Employers can ease this burden by offering financial education workshops or access to legal advice, helping drivers navigate the challenges of self-employment, vehicle costs, and fuel expenses.

A Shared Responsibility

The mental health of van drivers is a shared responsibility. Employers, industry leaders, and policymakers all have a role to play in creating a healthier, more supportive environment for these essential workers. Van drivers are the backbone of logistics and the economy, and their well-being should be a priority.

By implementing practical solutions—such as flexible scheduling, better route planning, regular check-ins, and providing access to mental health resources—employers can help van drivers manage the unique challenges they face. On World Mental Health Day, it’s time to ensure that the mental health of van drivers is not overlooked, but actively supported.