Mercedes vans investigates mental health of van drivers

In aid of mental health awareness week 2017, Mercedes vans has carried out research to investigate the mental health of van drivers.. The results are rather worrying.

Introduction

Mercedes vans: the company to bring you the popular Citan, Vito and Sprinter vans, has conducted a study in contribution to mental health awareness week. In total Mercedes vans researched the mental health of 2,000 van drivers, delivery professionals and operators. Vansdirect summarises the findings by Mercedes vans.

Almost 20 percent of those asked described their current mental health as 'poor or very poor.'

Of those who described their mental health as 'poor or very poor' almost 75 percent described work as a contributing factor.

Workload

52 percent of van drivers surveyed by Mercedes vans blamed increased time pressures as a reason behind their 'poor or very poor' mental health.

50 percent blamed increased workload.

33 percent blamed job uncertainty for their mental health.

17 percent of delivery drivers also believed that traffic congestion was having a negative impact on their mental health.

Mercedes vans outlined these concerns. What is even more concerning, is that 33 percent of those surveyed with 'poor or very poor' mental health haven't spoken to their manager about how they are feeling. Whereas 12 percent have not spoken to anyone at all!

Isolation

In conjunction with the driver workloads, Mental Health Foundation representative James Harris had thoughts on Mercedes vans' findings: "Compared to the national average, these figures indicate that van drivers are experiencing an increased rate of poor mental health. This may be explained by the pressures of the job, and the fact that van drivers can often be isolated." He also outlined the importance of "creating a culture in which anyone experiencing problems can ask for help in the knowledge that they will be supported."

Aims of the study

Mercedes vans managing director Steve Bridge, stated that: "Our research findings act as a clear call for van drivers to talk about their mental health concerns and work pressures with their employers to actively listen to the real concerns of their workforce not only during Mental Health Awareness Week but beyond."

The aim of the study is to hopefully raise awareness across the automotive industry about mental health issues. If you do have issues, then you shouldn't suffer in silence. Figures from Mercedes vans clearly show a hesitancy to communicate about concerns related to their mental health. This is particularly worrying when looking at the figures above.

For advice on mental health, including tips on how to look after it, visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

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