Marking Blue Monday today, Fleet World asked leading fleet firms for their top tips on how to best ensure physical and mental wellbeing for drivers.

Chris Woods, enterprise sales director at Trakm8

Time for action on fleet driver mental welfare

Chris Woods, enterprise sales director at Trakm8, is urging the industry to use this Blue Monday as an opportunity to take stock and consider how the mental welfare of fleet professionals can be best protected.

“The past two years have been among the most stressful in living memory for all of us, but that pressure has been amplified for those who drive professionally.

“First and foremost, drivers should be made to feel that they work for a supportive business that is mindful of their wellbeing. A simple check-in can go a long way in ensuring a driver feels valued. At Trakm8, the customisable nature of our vehicle health checks enables fleet managers to add customisable questions relating to driver welfare – helping businesses identify personnel who may require additional support.

“After a challenging few years, it’s also important businesses take the time to celebrate drivers and their hard work. Initiatives such as the Road Safety Hero campaign, which we spearheaded in conjunction with Brake, the road safety charity, last autumn, are a great of way of giving kudos to drivers doing what can sometimes feel like a thankless job.

“Finally, I would encourage fleet managers to work closely with their drivers to ensure the tasks they’re carrying out are achievable. Driving professionally is a high-enough stress job without having to work to unrealistic route schedules. By taking a partnership-led approach, businesses can ensure driver workflow is manageable and help personnel feel a key part of the decision-making process. To help make this process as streamlined as possible, our Optimisation platform allows businesses to create efficient and cost-effective driving and delivery routes, helping to minimise pressure on drivers and reduce operational costs.”

Spencer Halil, CCO, Alphabet

Remove the stigma

Mental health in the fleet industry remains a subject that is far too often overlooked, according to Spencer Halil, CCO, Alphabet (GB), with not enough attention paid to the drivers themselves in terms of duty of care. He says open conversations around mental health and wellbeing are a must.

“We know from our research that nearly two-thirds of fleet drivers have found their mental health has been affected whilst driving in the pandemic. The darker days and harsher weather conditions of winter have only added to the strains placed on drivers and businesses and fleet managers alike need to take a more proactive role in supporting drivers with their mental wellbeing.

“However, managers cannot be expected to be fully equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide the help their employees need. Businesses must ensure that sufficient mental health training is available and refreshers are offered on a regular basis. This is why we created Alphabet’s Driver MOT guide to empower fleet managers to engage in the topic of mental health with their drivers. It’s important employees are aware of the support and resources available to them within an organisation. By facilitating open conversations around mental health and wellbeing, fleet managers can help drivers feel more comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking additional support.

“Developing and speaking about a ‘mental health at work’ plan also creates an open dialogue around mental health within businesses and encourages input from employees, helping to further remove stigma and cultivate an inclusive, compassionate working environment.

“By shining a spotlight on mental wellbeing, we can create a forum to accelerate discussions around mental health and help shape how it’s perceived across the industry. This is crucial to ensuring all drivers are kept safe and can access the support and help they require.”

Greg Ford, general manager, at RED Driver Risk Management

A clear pattern on ‘Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder’

Figures from RED Driver Risk Management reveal how widespread mental health issues are at this time of year. Greg Ford, general manager, outlines the data.

“Analysis of more than 3,000 business drivers using our Wellbeing Profiler has shown they suffer from more anxiety, stress, tiredness and mental health issues between November and February than at any other time of the year.

“It’s what we call ‘Seasonally Affective Driver Disorder’ (SADD) – the combination of dark mornings and nights, winter weather and harder driving conditions creating a marked spike in mental health issues during this period.

“Our data shows a clear pattern, with a fifth of drivers (20%) claiming to feel tired during the winter months, and for some the issue is worse still, with 12% claiming to be ‘exhausted’. And 10% say they experience anxiety during the darker days too.

“Elsewhere, our reporting also shows an 8% drop in the number of employees feeling motivated, while the percentage of drivers feeling ‘very discouraged’ doubles and ‘enthusiasm’ wanes by nearly 10%.

“For employees who really struggle with this, employers could do a number of things. They could try and reduce their mileage by doing more video-conferencing, or reschedule appointments so employees are not doing long drives in the morning or evening when the risks are higher.

“Companies are far more aware of the need to support those employees struggling with mental health, and those tucked away in their cars and vans, often alone for hours on end every day, should not be forgotten.”

Andy Wheeler, head of technical delivery, TTC Group

A new ‘road-health’ mind-set

Licence Bureau advocates that fleet operators and business drivers adopt a ‘road-health’ mind-set that sits at the heart of a business rather than just for Blue Monday. Andy Wheeler, head of technical delivery for Licence Bureau’s parent company TTC, explains.

“Here at Licence Bureau, we’ve coined a new term – Road Health – to reflect how a combination of social distancing and the ever-increasing profile of mental health awareness really could benefit business drivers.

“It ultimately boils down to fleet operators ensuring they cover off the softer side of compliance by ensuring the right cultures are ingrained amongst drivers to ensure a greater focus on good driving behaviours and safety.

“The current ‘new norm’ of social distancing, for example, can be carried over as simply giving other road users more space, whilst mental health awareness relates to simple courteous driving practices while understanding the possible pressures other road users are under.

“Both are simple things but, encouraged across the board and done well, can generate significant change for the better within any business.

“Our approach to road health encourages businesses to truly consider their drivers’ all-round mental health and wellbeing, and seriously consider which future engagements can continue to be managed remotely or what other forms of mobility might offer the greatest returns.

“If anything has become clear in recent times, it’s that one size does not fit all and people continue to be the primary differentiator of success for any business operation – so create cultures that look after them.”

Alfonso Martinez, managing director of LeasePlan UK

An optimised driving pattern

Alfonso Martinez, managing director of LeasePlan UK, says that despite the many perks of the job, being a job-need driver is challenging and requires a great deal of resilience, but the right resources from fleets can help.

“Therefore, it’s essential for fleet and transport managers to ensure their drivers have access to all the resources they need to deal with these pressures, and to provide a supportive environment in which drivers feel safe and secure.

“This starts with optimising the driving experience for your drivers and making sure they’re not being put under any undue stress. While you can’t foresee every issue they’ll face while out on the job, you can ensure that they’re operating within the best possible working conditions. Getting enough rest and sleep are crucial here, as is vehicle selection. Fleet and transport managers should always carefully consider their driver’s unique situation and the type of journeys they make, and ensure that the vehicle they’re in is both comfortable and efficient.

“Many job-need drivers will also spend much of their time alone. Therefore, it’s important that they feel a sense of support and community from the wider team. Open communication and regular check-ins are vital here.

“Finally, fleet managers should also make sure that their drivers know who they can speak to if they need a confidential ear outside of the work environment. For example, LeasePlan has teamed up with mental health charity Mind to provide additional advice and support to drivers.”

Rebecca Ashton, head of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart

Communication is key

Rebecca Ashton, head of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, says stress can have a dramatic effect on how we behave towards others and the way we react to other road-users, and it is important that employees – and their bosses – know how to deal with this.

“Work should be seen as teamwork, it should never be allowed to become ‘them and us’. Since the pandemic began, we have all been dealing with the strangest upheaval and the experience has introduced a whole new level of concern and worries for people. Isolation can be lessened with regular contact from a manager or being part of a group chat. Keeping workers up to date is key. Employers must consider the impact this pandemic has had on their employees. Recognising the vulnerabilities they may have, and adjusting where possible in the interest of their – and others’ – health and safety.

“Recently IAM RoadSmart conducted a stress-related investigation which found 42% of drivers were most anxious about returning to sitting in long tail backs as more traffic returns to UK roads.”

To find out more about IAM analysis’s on the top 10 driving stresses, click here.

Peter Millichap, UK marketing director at Teletrac Navman

Recognise the ‘Hidden Heroes’

Peter Millichap, UK marketing director at Teletrac Navman, urges the fleet industry to praise the hidden heroes of transport.

“The pandemic has resulted in many people gaining a new appreciation for those who continued to work throughout, including recognition for employees in the transport industry who have shown unprecedented commitment despite the risks. And whilst those hidden heroes have been celebrated, it is essential to remember the pressures transport professionals continue to face. So on Blue Monday, and all days, we must champion the importance of mental wellbeing in our sector and continue to prioritise putting the safety and welfare of individuals, first.”

Speaking from experience is Beth Jones, a transport manager at T Alun Jones (Teletrac Navman’s latest Hidden Heroes).

She comments: “As a business, we have open lines of communication at morning, noon and night as the wellbeing of our colleagues is a priority. For instance, we proactively check in on our lone drivers twice a day to ensure they have everything they need. This is not only for the physical elements required for the job – such as PPE equipment – but to also check on their general mood and wellbeing. These open lines of communication are key for encouraging conversations, particularly within roles where colleagues often work alone, sometimes for long periods.”

Damian Penney, VP Europe at Lytx

In-cab technology can be invaluable

Damian Penney, VP Europe at Lytx, advises that in-cab technology can be vital in helping fleet managers to spot the signs of January blues, as well as empowering drivers to make good decisions that help them stay safe while out on the road.

“If a driver is feeling down, it’s not hard to see how incidents can occur, such as missing a red light or momentarily losing concentration at the wheel. Spotting such behaviour early provides managers with the opportunity to offer drivers support before an accident happens.

“AI-powered dashcams capture video footage in real-time and can tell managers when driver behaviour has changed, flagging a possible need for action. Such triggers can then be used to open a dialogue with the driver within a structured framework, such as coaching. Drivers are often unaware of these changes themselves, particularly if they are not in a good place mentally, so an open discussion that allows them to be addressed in a non-disciplinary context is crucial.

“By making managers – and drivers – aware of unusual patterns of behaviour, accidents can be prevented and drivers provided with the right level of help to protect themselves and others on the road.”

Colin Paterson, head of marketing at DriveTech UK

Tackle driver distractions

Colin Paterson, head of marketing at DriveTech, says the last thing you want to do on Blue Monday – or any time in fact – is encourage further unnecessary distraction of your drivers who might be feeling the pinch after Christmas, both in the pocket and on the waistline.

“This potential mood, plus the generally cold and icy weather, means you should minimise their temptation to be distracted by darker ‘Blue Monday’ thoughts whilst on the road. Remind them with upbeat communications to stay focused, that driving is one of the most dangerous work activities we all get exposed to day-to-day, and not to make ‘Blue Monday’ in any way a black spot in the year ahead.

“Drivers should be aware that others behind the wheel might be suffering distractions too, so take care, stay alert and safe and lift your mood by being tolerant and courteous on the roads. On a more strategic level and with new year’s resolutions aplenty, use this time to review your duty of care and training provisions for drivers in your business. DriveTech offers a PULSE fleet health check which might be just what the ‘road safety doctor ordered’ on Blue Monday! Starting the year with a comprehensive view of your fleet’s needs will set you up for a safer 2022.”

Adam Hall, head of electric vehicles at Drax

The right policies and procedures

Adam Hall, director of energy services, Drax, says fleets should make sure their business has the right policies and procedures in place to support drivers, particularly as a result of the pandemic.

“Change in any workplace can create additional stress which can be difficult to manage. At the moment many fleet drivers face pressures as a result of significant disruption to their day-to-day routines due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

“Fleet managers should create a culture of responsibility and safety amongst their drivers. Having the right policies and procedures in place to make sure that drivers have the proper training for their vehicle is key to achieving this, especially as the UK continues its switch to EVs. Providing refresher courses and constructive feedback will also help. Drivers also need to follow safety regulations, such as taking proper rest breaks and getting enough sleep in between shifts – all of which supports wellbeing and mental health, as well as fleet safety.

“Taking the time to celebrate and recognise a job well done, so people feel valued will also boost morale and motivation creating a positive ethos at work – and a happier, healthier and safer workforce. Achieving these outcomes requires a consistent approach throughout the year, though – not just on Blue Monday.”

Nick Chadaway, managing director, DMN Logistics

How to create a healthy and open environment

Nick Chadaway, managing director at DMN Logistics, has a number of tips on creating the right surroundings to tackle driver stress.

“Driving as part of a job can be stressful, driving full-time even more so with the exponential increase in home deliveries meaning more fleet vehicles and creating more traffic. Creating a healthy and open environment for fleet users to gain knowledge and express their concerns is essential:

• Engage regularly with users, allow them to feel able to express their concerns and give feedback
• Offer pro-active support and training sessions not only in safe driving but in mental health awareness and how to overcome stresses and challenges
• Use available technology to help with driving schedules ensuring users are not required to drive too far or too fast
• Look for areas where you can minimise driver stress and fatigue – two of the major contributors to health and mental wellbeing
• Ensure regular breaks are being taken from driving duties
• Engage with users and listen to the feedback
• Consider mental health as part of the wider occupational road-risk policy and think how it can be embedded in the fleet culture.”

Neil McCrossan, Northgate Vehicle Hire sales and marketing director

Take a proactive stance on safety with data insights

Northgate Vehicle Hire’s Neil McCrossan, sales and marketing director, says telematics can be invaluable in helping fleets proactively manage driver safety.

“When we surveyed our van rental customers in October 2021, they admitted that staff health and wellbeing was at the top of their priority list ahead of all other key areas of their business.

“It is at the top of their agenda when there has been increased pressure on many industry sectors and their LCVs to keep the country’s economy moving over the past two years, it would be all too easy to forget the welfare of the driver,

“We also asked our customers what they needed to help better manage driver safety and they requested simple but effective learning and educational support that they could share with drivers which we have provided for them through Northgate Safe Driver.

“The response has been very positive but another area that we have found very useful in helping companies gauge the true behaviour of drivers while driving their LCV on company business is the fitment of vehicle telematics.

“How long a driver is behind the wheel each day, what is their average speed and mileage, do they take breaks, how many deliveries are they making each day?

“Telematics records all this valuable data to enable companies to start building a safety, wellbeing and risk profile for drivers. Acting on this type of data fits in with everybody’s aim of proactively preventing an incident happening to drivers and their vehicles on days like Blue Monday.”

Louis Rix, COO and co-founder of CarFinance 247

Support drivers on lifestyle changes

Louis Rix, COO and co-founder of car finance platform CarFinance 247, has a number of tips that can help drivers.

“Encouraging and supporting your fleet drivers to learn more about their vehicles and driving laws should help increase their confidence, particularly as new rules and regulations come into force.

“Fleet managers should also be trained to spot any red flags among their drivers that could indicate a mental health condition, such as anxiety. Businesses need to be supportive if a driver is facing a setback; everyone needs to be able to take a pause in a difficult situation. Treat drivers with compassion and consider providing information and support on making lifestyle changes that can ease anxiety. Cutting down on caffeine, not driving on an empty stomach, and getting a good night’s sleep will help drivers to be in the best shape possible to tackle any fear.”