Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between the 15th and 21st of May this year. With 30% of work-related illness in the transport and logistics industry reported as being due to stress, depression and anxiety this is very relevant to HGV drivers. 

Poor mental health amongst the driving community could be down to factors that go with the territory. Drivers often spend long hours alone in their cab away from family and friends, their diet is notoriously unhealthy, and they tend not to get enough physical exercise or adequate sleep – a recipe for low energy, low mood and generally not feeling your best.  

Raising awareness of the problem is a good first step. Next is taking action to improve the situation and Onroute is keen to play a part.

Things are changing for the better

Driving can be lonely. Even for people who enjoy solitude being alone for long stretches of time, away from family and friends, can be a challenge. Thanks to the internet and mobile devices most drivers can now stay in touch via phone and video and watch TV or podcasts in their cabs. Purpose-built truck stop cafes also provide an opportunity to meet up with other drivers when stopping to rest and refuel, and a good chat can be an antidote to loneliness.  

Nowadays, more people are aware of the benefits of good nutrition and physical exercise. Attitudes to diet are changing amongst the driving community, with drivers becoming more interested in healthier meal options. With regards to exercise, the NHS recommends adults take at least 150 minutes exercise per week – that’s just half an hour a day, five days a week which should be possible for most of us.

Supporting better mental health and wellbeing amongst drivers.

Positive action to improve driver health and wellbeing 

Onroute is keen to support better mental health and physical wellbeing for drivers. We are taking positive action to back this up including training staff to raise awareness, adapting our menus and improving our facilities. 

We are introducing more healthy meal options to our menus and making sure we have fresh fruit available as an alternative to high calorie snacks. We provide a safe, secure haven for overnight parking and operate a no-noise policy between 10.00pm and 6.00am to help ensure our drivers get a good night's sleep. Our aim is to offer a home away from home at our truckstops and drivers can be sure of a warm welcome from our friendly staff who are always happy to stop for a chat.  

We are also sharing simple hints and tips on healthy habits that can positively impact health and wellbeing on our website and on our Facebook pages.  

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