Leaders in the logistics and haulage industry are urged to tackle driver burnout and stress ahead of Xmas and continued staff shortages, amid rising mental health issues since Brexit.
As a pre-Christmas surge in demand for goods comes up against Brexit red tape and a shortfall of 100,000 drivers, HGV drivers on the road are under more pressure than ever. A recent study by Haulage Exchange, the UK’s freight exchange platform, highlighted that 50% of logistics companies surveyed have seen an increase in employee stress, anxiety and other mental health issues due to the indirect impacts of Brexit.
Research from mental health charity Mind also confirmed that 30% of self-reported work-related illness in the transport and logistics industry is due to stress, depression and anxiety. Other causes of strain on drivers’ mental health include shift working patterns; social isolation; and the upcoming risk of seasonal affective disorder during cold, dark mornings and evenings. For female drivers, being in a male-dominated industry can also cause additional problems.
Since the 15th of November, the UK government has introduced changes to the way driving tests work for HGV drivers to get more drivers on the road; and alleviate the shortage. This follows the recent announcement that thousands more HGV deliveries could be made each month due to temporary changes to ‘cabotage’ rules; allowing foreign transport operators to make unlimited journeys for two weeks before returning home. However, it’s vital that drivers already working also receive the required mental health support from employers, colleagues and the wider industry; particularly in the run-up to Christmas, say mental health experts.
SUPPORTING DRIVER MENTAL HEALTH
So what can haulage companies do to better support the mental health of their drivers? It’s not always easy to identify the signs of mental health issues, but haulage companies must be mindful that people often hide these problems beneath the surface. With the right support, however, mental health issues can be managed and even prevented.
“If the right help isn’t available for drivers, some elements of the job can become stressful. So it’s vital that drivers feel like they can open up about any issues, rather than keeping things bottled up,” stated Luke Davies, Head of Sales at Transport Exchange Group. “Companies can set up a confidential hotline, introduce mental health days or provide free counselling. They can also address the link between good physical health and positive mental health, by promoting exercise and healthy diets.”
With the national shortage of drivers we’ve currently got, it’s more important than ever to retain drivers, he added. “Safeguarding their mental health is one way to make them feel valued and improve their working environment.” Qualified mental health professionals Claire Lyons and Hansa Pankhania, also provide invaluable advice on how HR/DE&I/wellness directors can encourage haulage drivers to maintain positive mental health. This includes:
Finding ways to stay active
Making time to exercise can often be a struggle, particularly with long hours spent on the road. For haulage drivers, who spend their working hours sitting down in a small space, keeping active is absolutely vital. “Stress releases chemicals into your body, and one effective way to get rid of them is via exercise,” advised Lyons. She recommends that drivers try progressive muscle relaxation when in the cab, but not while driving; or adding a physical activity (such as boxing, football or walking) to their weekly fitness schedule. Pankhania suggests that drivers find places to park where they can go for a brisk walk or run; or engage in stretching exercises; and connecting with nature and recommends planning breaks in scenic places.
Laugh
Life on the road can get a bit lonely at times, especially if drivers are spending nights away from home, so they should set time aside for whatever brightens their day up. “One brilliant stress release is to laugh,” noted Lyons. She suggests drivers download their favourite comedian, get an audiobook, meet up with that friend who always makes you laugh, watch a comedy shower, etc.
Get enough sleep
There’s no substitute for a good night’s sleep. If we wake up before our body has fully recharged, minor everyday annoyances can turn into bigger issues. Of course, driving jobs require great focus, so they are much more enjoyable – and safer – when you’re not tired. “One of the quickest ways to identify stress is a change in sleep patterns,” highlighted Lyons. Getting high-quality sleep, so that you are rested and alert, is essential for drivers to remain safe while driving.
Keeping lorry space clean
Just as some office employees feel more organised and ready to work when their desks are tidy, many drivers feel better when their working space is clean and pleasant. After all, drivers spend a lot of time in their cabs, so they don’t want to be surrounded by lots of mess. Pankhania said that drivers should keep their vehicles “clutter-free and fresh”; and “create a calm environment” by adding images that they find soothing such as trees, oceans or wildlife.
Sharing feelings
Letting things build up and get you down never helped anyone. Talking about what’s on our minds allows us to process issues and move on. With drivers spending hours alone each day, it’s especially important that they communicate and don’t let any negative thoughts fester. Pankhania said drivers should be encouraged to open up about issues that are bothering them, instead of struggling alone. “Talking is cathartic and will highlight options for moving forward with problems,”Pankhania added.
Lyons agreed: “When we share thoughts and feelings, concerns or frustrations, with others the stress goes down. Getting things off your chest, even if it doesn’t change them, will help.”
Click here for more information on 2021 Post-Brexit Hauliers Survey.
A new study has revealed that 86% of US workers want a corporate culture that encourages an open dialogue about mental health challenges. Click here to read more.
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