UK van drivers are at risk of burnout with half experiencing mental health problems in the last year, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles*.
The research found that last year, people suffering from mental health problems increased by half from a third compared to the previous year. Overworking and struggling to maintain a work-life balance were the main causes, with side effects including trouble sleeping, stress headaches and panic attacks.
The stress comes from van drivers working overtime half the time, compared to the average UK worker working longer hours a third of the time.
Longer hours are causing 1 in 5 van drivers to feel overwhelmed by work every day, and 94% say they’ve felt overwhelmed at least once in the past year. On the positive side, three quarters of those who experienced problems had sought professional support to help them cope.
To monitor their mental health and restore balance, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles urges the UK workforce to take a break and practice wellness, whether that’s taking up a new hobby, exercising, talking to friends or going out.
Last year, the manufacturer launched its #DownTools campaign to raise awareness of the risks of burnout and, as part of an ongoing partnership with Mental Health UK, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is helping its customers close shop, put down the hammer and close the laptop at the end of the working day. .
Kate Thompson, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Marketing Directorcommented: “Mental health in the workplace is an incredibly important topic, and one we are proud to continue to explore, with the aim of normalizing discussions and promoting best practice.
“Our research over the years has really shed light on the prevalence of mental health issues in the workplace, and in particular among men and small business owners, and the difficulties in striking an effective balance. . So we hope that by raising awareness, we will encourage people to put their wellness first and provide the resources to regain a productive work-life balance.”
For more information and support on taking care of your mental health, visit: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/volkswagen-commercial-vehicles/
*Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Survey, 1,000 UK van drivers
