Van drivers are at risk of burnout with half experiencing mental health issues in the last year, research reveals.
According to a study from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, researchers found the last year had seen those suffering from mental health issues rise to half from a third compared with the previous year.
They point to overworking and struggling to maintain a work-life balance as being the biggest issues.
The side effects for van drivers include sleep problems, stress headaches and panic attacks.
Van drivers working beyond their regular hours
Now, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says the stress is coming from van drivers working beyond their regular hours half of the time, compared to the average UK worker who clocks longer hours a third of the time.
The longer hours are causing 1 in 5 van drivers to feel overwhelmed by work daily, with 94% saying they had felt overwhelmed at least once in the past year.
Positively, three-quarters of those who suffered issues had sought professional support to help them cope.
Take time out and practise wellbeing
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is urging the UK workforce to take time out and practise wellbeing – whether in the form of taking up a new hobby, exercising, talking to friends or getting outside. They say this will help drivers manage their mental health better.
Last year, the manufacturer launched its #DownTools campaign to raise awareness of the risks of burnout and, as part of a continued partnership with Mental Health UK, the firm is supporting its customers to shut up shop, put down the hammer, and close the laptop at the end of the working day.
‘Mental health in the workplace is an incredibly important topic’
Kate Thompson, the head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Mental health in the workplace is an incredibly important topic, and one we’re proud to continue exploring, with the aim of normalising discussions and promoting best practice.
“Our research over the years has really cast a light on the prevalence of mental health issues within the workplace and particularly with men and small business owners, and the difficulties of establishing an effective balance.
“So, we hope that by raising awareness, we will encourage people to prioritise their wellbeing and provide the resources to regain a productive work-life balance.”