Venson urges businesses to prioritise mental well-being for drivers

A recent study has revealed that a driver’s average working week increased by almost five hours during lockdown, as many played a key role in keeping the country moving during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. As lockdown eases and brings new fleet management challenges, Venson Automotive Solutions is asking businesses to ensure the extra hours undertaken during lockdown and the new processes being accommodated to address relaxed social distancing, don’t take a toll on drivers’ mental and physical well-being. While most businesses know what to do to keep their vehicles safely on the road, they can sometimes miss the signs of an employee being under stress.

Alison Bell, Marketing Director at Venson Automotive Solutions commented; “The events of the last 4 months have been enough to heighten stress and anxiety levels for the calmest of people. With state of mind a critical element to driving safely, drivers who suffer from work-related stress are more likely to speed and take other risks while driving, which can lead to serious accidents. Keeping the conversation open and having processes in place that allow staff to feel empowered to express any concerns that could undermine their fitness to drive, is an essential part of any health and safety policy.

As well as providing information on how to avoid stress when driving, such as preparing a vehicle, allowing time for additional hygiene measures and regular breaks throughout the day, businesses could incorporate some of the tips from the Mental Health Foundation on how to embed good mental health processes.”

Bell Concludes: “Now, more than ever, employees who drive on business should have easy access to advice and information on how to relieve stress, achieve a good night’s sleep, eat healthily and stay hydrated. It’s important not just for their safety but for the increasing number of drivers, as more businesses move out of lock down and more vehicles return to the road.”

Venson reminds businesses and fleet managers of its free whitepaper ‘It is good to talk: Caring about Mental Health’ which promotes good mental health at work practices and offers practical help and advice. It can be downloaded at https://www.venson.com/Media/ViewWhitePaper/