“You’re stuck in a space that’s smaller than a prison cell…”
Did you know that work-related stress, anxiety, and depression are among the most common health conditions facing transport and logistics workers today?
Unfortunately, mental wellness is rarely associated with transport and logistics. But that’s something that key figures in the industry are working hard to change. It’s also something that you, whether you’re an employer, manager, or colleague, can overcome in your organisation.
Want to know how? Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- Does transport and logistics have a mental health problem?
- Crucial conversations: the Rerouting Logistics podcast.
- Tackling the mental health crisis in logistics.
- Join the conversation.
Does logistics have a mental health problem?
There’s no denying that there’s a mental health problem in logistics.
Research from the Health and Safety Executive found that mental ill-health accounts for 44% of the industry’s work-related health issues in the UK. Plus, in 2018/19, poor mental health was found to be responsible for 54% of all absentee days!
In a sector that employs approximately one in 12 UK workers, there’s no denying that this needs to change.
Not only are people’s welfare and wellbeing at stake. The reality is that this issue is also preventing the industry from attracting and retaining leading talent – particularly from the younger generation.
Crucial conversations: the Rerouting Logistics podcast
Thankfully, this is a problem that influential people in our industry not only understand, but are actively working to change.
Richard James Smith, MD of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), is one such example. Speaking candidly to former Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell, Richard discussed typical roadblocks to mental health in logistics and transport:
“Being stuck in a space that’s smaller than a prison cell and sleeping in a space that’s smaller than a prison cell, and then having facilities that are inadequate, so they can’t go and relax properly…”
Managing mental health in logistics
One thing is clear: organisations within transport and logistics need to act now. Only by making a concerted effort to tackle the crisis can we protect the long-term health of the sector and its workers.
And the good news is that investing in the wellbeing of your employees is a good financial investment as well. In fact, according Infrastructure Magazine in Australia, for every dollar invested into mental health in this sector, organisations can expect almost triple in return!
But where should you start?
Well, for employers looking to improve mental wellbeing in their own businesses, there are six powerful things they can do:
- Improve manager awareness and mental health signposting.
- Introduce meaningful mental health & wellbeing initiatives.
- Schedule and stick to regular check-ins.
- Invest in personal development coaching sessions.
- Make Mental Health First Aid training a priority.
- Support employees with self-help (in and out of work).
Want to find out more about how these tips might work in your organisation? Our blog on mental health and employee retention will tell you everything you need to know.
Or, tune into the Rerouting Logistics podcast…
Join the conversation
The Rerouting Logistics podcast is a new podcast by Aspion Search, hosted by former Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell. We’re on a joint mission to confront key issues in the world of Transport & Logistics!
Join us for important conversations on topics like these:
- Mental health in logistics.
- Diversity in logistics.
- Young people in logistics.
- The future of the sector.
- Logistics careers.
And much more!
These sorts of discussions are crucial if we’re serious about overcoming ongoing issues within this vital industry.
Check out the second episode wherever you get your podcasts… And keep an eye on the Aspion Search LinkedIn page to make sure you never miss an episode!
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eAg-sxJ6
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eRwTb-Vx
