{"id":37299,"date":"2024-04-02T09:15:11","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T13:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gofleet.com\/?p=37299"},"modified":"2024-05-03T14:55:12","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T18:55:12","slug":"on-the-move-prioritizing-mental-health-in-fleet-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gofleet.com\/on-the-move-prioritizing-mental-health-in-fleet-operations\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Move: Prioritizing Mental Health in Fleet Operations"},"content":{"rendered":"

This April is Stress Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. While this month is widely recognized in North America and the UK, it’s an opportunity for organizations everywhere to address stress in fleet drivers, and the mental pressures they face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Research from road safety charity <\/span>Brake<\/span><\/a> shows a<\/span> 6% increase in stress and anger among drivers since the onset of the pandemic<\/b>, correlating these negative emotions with<\/span> riskier driving behaviors such as harsher acceleration and less focus on driving tasks<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also learned that <\/span>\u00a075% of truck drivers <\/span><\/a>report their job as mentally and physically stressful, which increases the fatigue they experience, as well as accident risks\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n

From exhaustive schedules to the solitude of long hauls, these challenges can affect not only the health of your drivers, but also the safety and operational efficiency of your fleets.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this post, we will explore how to recognize signs of stress among drivers, what resources are available to support mental health, and policies that can cultivate a supportive workplace and foster a healthier, more engaged driving force.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Does Stress in Fleet Drivers Look Like?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following factors, combined with the critical responsibility of ensuring safety at all times, can lead to high levels of stress in fleet drivers:<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended Working Hours:<\/b> Truck drivers often endure exceptionally long shifts. According to FMCSA regulations, they’re permitted to drive for 11 consecutive hours and may remain in their vehicles for up to 14 hours daily before their shift concludes. This duration exceeds the usual eight-hour workday considerably.<\/span><\/p>\n

Isolation:<\/b> The bulk of a truck driver’s day is spent in solitude, despite occasional interactions at truck stops during breaks. Extended periods away from family and friends can significantly impact their emotional and psychological health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Variable Schedules:<\/b> The nature of trucking jobs means that schedules are often inconsistent, with shifts varying based on available hauls and delivery deadlines. Such irregularity can disrupt regular sleep patterns, complicating efforts to maintain a consistent routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical Demands:<\/b> Truck driving involves more than just operating the vehicle; drivers frequently handle the loading and unloading of cargo, adding physical strain to their roles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Access to Nutrition and Physical Activity:<\/b> Limited dietary options on the road, often restricted to fast and convenience foods, and minimal exercise opportunities can adversely affect a driver’s physical and subsequently mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are the Signs of Stress Among Drivers?<\/span><\/h2>\n

For example, management can proactively schedule regular check-ins with drivers, provide mental health education, and ensure that drivers have access to professional support if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identifying the early signs of stress in fleet drivers is essential for timely intervention. <\/b>Early recognition can help fleet managers implement support systems to prevent stress from escalating into more serious mental health issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stress can manifest in both physical and emotional symptoms that can affect a driver’s ability to perform safely and efficiently. The <\/span>Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a> says that recognizing these signs early can be crucial in managing stress effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical Signs of Stress:<\/b><\/p>\n