Prioritising mental health in the transport industry

Mental health is a critical, yet often overlooked aspect of the transport industry. With long hours, demanding schedules, and extended periods of isolation, those working in transport face unique mental health challenges. Ensuring the wellbeing of drivers, operators, and support staff is not only a duty of care for employers, but also essential for safety, performance, and retention. At A R Banks, this is something we not only recognise, but prioritise too.

One of the biggest issues in the transport industry is fatigue. Professional drivers often work under time pressures and are expected to meet tight deadlines, which can result in sleep deprivation and burnout. Coupled with the solitary nature of the job, it’s easy for feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness to go unnoticed and unreported. 

Prioritising mental health can lead to a healthier, more engaged workforce. It boosts productivity and fosters a culture where people feel supported and valued. Employers like ourselves, who invest in mental health training, access to counselling, and regular check-ins are more likely to retain staff and build trust.

The stigma around discussing mental health is slowly shifting, but there’s still a long way to go, especially in industries historically associated with resilience. The transport sector must take a proactive role in normalising conversations around wellbeing, integrating mental health support into health and safety policies, and making it as much a priority as physical safety.

In short, mental health care is a vital component of a sustainable, safe, and successful transport company. A mentally healthy workforce is better equipped to meet the demands of the job and adapt to the challenges of today’s fast-paced world.

Life on the Road: The Unique Mental Health Challenges

There are many aspects to a life working in the transport industry that could lead to mental health struggles. Drivers and operators often have to work long or antisocial shifts, which may lead to irregular sleep patterns, and time away from family, which can be challenging and disruptive.

These factors could contribute to a lack of social interaction for some workers, which, in turn could result in feelings of isolation, and in the longer term, loneliness, which can have huge ramifications on a person's mental health and wellbeing.

Add to this the everyday pressures of the role itself to meet deadlines and adhere to a range of regulations, and employees could be left feeling stressed, anxious and even depressed if these issues are not addressed. 

The Impact of Poor Mental Health

Poor mental health can significantly impact concentration, decision-making, and reaction times, increasing the risk of road accidents or operational errors. Stress, fatigue, and anxiety reduce alertness and can impair judgement, which is one of the reasons why it is essential for employers to prioritise mental wellbeing to maintain safe and efficient working environments.

Increased absenteeism and higher staff turnover are two other issues that could arise within a company with inadequate mental health support for their staff. Employees struggling with mental health may take more time off, work while unwell, or even resign. This affects productivity, team morale, and overall business performance, highlighting the importance of wellbeing support.

Supporting Staff Wellbeing 

So what, as employers in the transport sector, can we do to help our staff?

Investing in Employee Assistance Programmes and training for managers, as well as committing to regular mental health check-ins and wellbeing surveys and facilitating flexible scheduling and rest periods for staff is all crucial.

At A R Banks, we’re committed to prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our employees. We invested in training for our Finance and Compliance Manager, Emma Midgely, who is now our fully-qualified Mental Health First Aider.

Emma said: “I undertook a two-day Mental Health First Aid course which consisted of four sessions designed to equip me with the skills, knowledge and confidence to support people who are suffering with their mental health.

The course explained what mental health is and the signs and risk factors associated with poor mental health. I learnt how to have a supportive conversation with someone suffering with their mental health, and we watched examples of these conversations and then completed roleplay with other delegates. This was a great way to get used to approaching the conversations and how to handle the different situations surrounding mental health.

As Mental Health First Aider, my role within the business is to monitor any employees that may be experiencing poor mental health and try to support them to feel better. The team all know that I am here if they ever want to talk, and I also provide guidance on how individuals can help themselves with their mental health such as maintaining a healthy diet, taking exercise and getting plenty of sleep.

Some employees are already living with a mental health condition which they have disclosed to me, so I have built relationships with these people; they know I’m here to help if they are having a bad day and need some support.

As most of our employees are working long hours in a lone environment, Stuart and Sarah felt it was important to support them in any way we can. I undertake refresher courses and webinars regularly as well. I am due to attend a course on men's mental health next week, which will be invaluable in understanding our workforce.”

A R Banks also invested in Health 365, a company-funded healthcare programme that  provides employees and their families with fast access to GP and mental health services. Video consultations are able to be booked with a GP on a day and time that suits, helping ease the worry of waiting for an NHS GP appointment.

Mental health consultation is also available if needed. Our employees have welcomed the implementation of this service, with many of them utilising the service for both themselves and family members.

A R Banks HGV Driver, Tom Hayward said: "Since working for A R Banks my family and I have really benefitted from having Health 365. I used the service for my son when the NHS wasn't working fast enough for me. An appointment was scheduled at a convenient time in the evening once our children were asleep and within days our son was improving dramatically. I will go straight to Health 365 next time as their service was very good."

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