When it comes to fleet management, ensuring the mental health and well-being of commercial drivers is just as important as maintaining the physical safety of the vehicles themselves.
This is because the very nature of the job means drivers are working long hours and experience isolation during almost every shift, not to mention undergo the feelings sheer stress from tight deadlines, traffic and roadworks. All of these factors combined can take a significant toll on drivers’ mental health, with implications not only for their personal well-being, but also for road safety and job performance too.
But what can fleet managers do to help here, and how can a better understanding of commercial fleet drivers’ mental health make all the difference in keeping them safe, and feeling secure?
Loneliness can take its toll
According to research by the Mental Health Foundation UK, loneliness affects nearly 1 in 5 people in the UK, and for commercial fleet drivers who spend the majority of their time alone in their vehicles, the impact can be even greater.
One of the primary challenges faced in their roles is the isolation that comes with the job, so much so that loneliness is frequently considered the most major mental health issue in the industry, due to so many drivers feeling disconnected from their friends, families and colleagues.
As a result, this lack of social interaction can lead to depression and anxiety, creating a cycle of worsening mental health that is difficult to break.
Long hours + lack of sleep = road risk
The commercial driving sector is notorious for its long and irregular hours, which often disrupt sleep patterns, and so it’s concerning that latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) highlight driver fatigue as being a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, with this number being even higher for commercial drivers due to the extended periods they spend on the road.
This is essentially because lack of sleep not only reduces reaction times, but also impairs decision-making, leading to dangerous situations on the road, and is supported by a Loughborough University study which found that UK drivers who slept less than 6 hours were significantly more likely to be involved in an accident compared to those who had sufficient sleep.
Service station fast food is slow and stale
For many fleet drivers, having access to healthy food at motorway service stations is limited, and often leads to choosing fast food alternatives with poor nutrition. These foods which are high in sugar and fat but low in nutritional value, along with among commercial drivers’ sedentary lifestyle, doesn’t just affect physical health, but also has a direct impact on their mental well-being too, as latest stats from the Mental Health Foundation note that a diet high in processed foods is linked to depression and anxiety.
Pressures of the job
Commercial driving is a high-pressure occupation, particularly as drivers often face tight deadlines, unpredictable traffic conditions and the ever-present demand for efficiency.
This constant pressure can lead to chronic stress, which is a major contributor to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. What’s more, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlighted that work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 17 million working days lost in 2021/22 in the UK, signalling that the impact of stress on the workforce can ultimately lead to time off for sickness, and in return, a loss of business productivity.
How can fleet managers support their drivers’ mental health?
Fleet managers have a critical role to play in supporting the mental health of their drivers, and by taking proactive measures, they can create a safer and more supportive work environment that addresses the unique challenges faced by commercial drivers.
These include:
- Fostering a culture of open communication: according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 1 in 8 men in the UK have experienced a mental health problem, yet many do not feel comfortable discussing these issues. Taking this into account, fleet managers can prioritise regular check-ins, whether in person or via phone, and encourage open communication to stay connected with drivers and spot potential mental health issues early on
- Provide mental health training: the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) highlights that mental health awareness training can improve understanding and help managers recognise the signs of mental health problems, and so providing this training can empower managers to offer timely support and direct drivers to appropriate resources
- Offering access to support services: fleet managers can ensure that drivers have access to mental health support services, including NHS offerings confidential helplines, online resources, and even partner with organisations such as Mind or the Samaritans to provide additional support options
- Promote a better work-life balance: encouraging a healthy work-life balance can significantly reduce stress, and according to a report by the HSE, employees who maintain a healthy work-life balance are less likely to suffer from stress and burnout. Here, fleet managers can promote this by setting reasonable working hours, allowing for sufficient rest periods and supporting drivers in taking time off when needed too
- Monitoring workloads: being mindful of drivers’ workloads is also critical, as excessive workloads can lead to burnout and create a higher risk factor for mental health issues. Regularly reviewing and adjusting workloads can help prevent drivers from becoming overwhelmed and also help determine if more employees are needed to help create a better balance
- Rewarding good work: recognising the hard work of drivers can boost morale and improve mental well-being, and simple gestures such as acknowledging a job well done or offering incentives for safe driving can make a big difference in how drivers feel about their work.
After all, drivers will always be a fleet managers most valuable asset
The mental health and well-being of commercial fleet drivers is a pressing issue which demands constant attention, particularly as the isolation, long hours, poor nutrition and high-pressure environment can all contribute to the mental health challenges faced.
However, by taking a proactive approach and implementing supportive measures, fleet managers can play a crucial role in improving the mental health of their drivers.
For managers, it all comes down to fostering a supportive work environment, providing access to mental health resources and promoting a healthy work-life balance, all of which will go a long way in ensuring that their drivers remain safe, healthy and mentally well-equipped to handle the demands of the job.
We’ll be right there with you, every step of the way
At Egertons, we know that keeping your fleet moving is essential to your business, and that starts with looking after your drivers.
That’s why our nationwide 24/7/365 service is designed to minimise downtime by deploying the right response vehicles with the right equipment, exactly when and where they’re needed, and with a focus on safety and efficiency, we ensure that your operations stay on track and that your drivers are always in the safest of hands.
When you need reliable vehicle recovery and support, we’re the partner you can trust.