Driver Wellness & Mental Health: Prioritizing Well-being on the Road
Taking proactive steps to support driver well-being is a critical aspect of fostering a resilient and thriving workforce.
The health and well-being of drivers directly impacts productivity, safety, and overall job satisfaction. While physical wellness is often a prominent concern for truck drivers, it is equally important to address overall wellness and mental health. Truck drivers face unique challenges such as long hours on the road, isolation, and demanding schedules, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
The Mental Health Challenge
Truck drivers, by the nature of their work, often spend prolonged periods away from home and loved ones. This isolation, combined with the pressure of meeting tight deadlines, managing traffic, and navigating unpredictable road conditions, can take a toll on their mental health. The lack of social interaction, limited access to healthcare resources, and inadequate sleep patterns further compound these challenges. Consequently, issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide can arise if not addressed effectively.
According to Owner Operator, and host of The Lombard Trucking Show podcast, Michael Lombard, when it comes to getting Millennials and Gen Z’s into the trucking industry, “they’re seeing the last generation dying of chronic illness, never be there for family, and not be paid for their time.”
Prioritizing Driver Wellness
Establish a Supportive Culture: Carriers must create a culture that prioritizes driver wellness and mental health. This includes fostering an environment where drivers feel comfortable discussing their concerns openly without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Incentivize and Recognize Well-Being Efforts: Carriers should acknowledge and reward drivers who prioritize their well-being. Incentive programs that promote healthy behaviors, such as exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction, can motivate drivers to actively participate in their own wellness journey.
Implement Regular Health Check-Ups: Regular health check-ups that encompass both physical and mental health screenings are essential. Carriers can collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide accessible and comprehensive health services, including mental health support.
Provide Education and Training: Offering educational programs on mental health awareness, stress management, and self-care can equip drivers with the necessary tools to identify and address potential issues. Carriers can help empower drivers to take charge of their well-being. Lombard recommends that carriers also, “have a team/committee of nutritionists and personal trainers, or pay for that system for drivers. The job, scientifically will decrease the longevity of your life as well as take drivers out of work for medical appointments later in life. A firm investment in their well-being is an absolute must.”
Promote Work-Life Balance: Lombard suggests that, “the standard of ‘one week out for one day home’ isn’t cutting it, especially when many carriers count the day they get home as a day. Also, as drivers gain experience they should be able to pick the loads they’d like to take.” By allowing drivers to choose their own schedule, carriers provide drivers with a culture of autonomy that prioritizes a work-life balance. By establishing flexible scheduling, carriers support driver wellness by helping them to maintain healthy relationships, pursue hobbies, and engage in self-care activities.
Prioritizing driver wellness through a supportive culture, education, regular health check-ups, work-life balance, social connections, and incentives can contribute to a safer and happier trucking industry for all.