Half of the UK’s van drivers have experienced mental health issues in the last year, with research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles finding that overworking and stress are the leading causes.
The number of those suffering has risen over the last year, up from a third to half, with drivers overworking and struggling to maintain a work-life balance. Symptoms can be debilitating, ranging from stress headaches and sleep problems to panic attacks.
The average UK worker puts in more hours than expected a third of the time, but van drivers take that further, exceeding their regular hours around half the time. These extended hours are causing one in five drivers to feel overwhelmed by work each day. The problem is widespread, with 94% of respondents saying they had felt overwhelmed at least once in the past year.
Three-quarters of those who suffered issues had sought professional support to help them cope, something that Volkswagen is assisting with.
The Volkswagen #DownTools Campaign
Volkswagen urges drivers across the country to take time out of their van and practice well-being — take up a new hobby, exercise, talk to friends or simply get outside.
The manufacturer launched its #DownTools campaign last year to raise awareness of the issue and the risks of burnout. With a continuing partnership with Mental Health UK
, Volkswagen is asking drivers 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, and one we’re proud to continue exploring, with the aim of normalising discussions and promoting best practice,” says Kate Thompson, head of marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “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.”
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