Half of UK van drivers experienced mental health issues in the past year, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
This was said to be up from a third the previous year, with overworking and struggling to maintain a work-life balance were the biggest causes.
Side effects were said to including sleep problems, stress headaches and panic attacks.
VWCV said stress was coming from van drivers working beyond their regular hours half of the time, compared to the average UK worker who clocks longer hours a third of the time.
The research found the longer hours were causing one in five van drivers to feel overwhelmed by work on a daily basis with 94% saying they had felt overwhelmed at least once in the past year. Positively, three-quarters of those who suffered issues had sought professional support to help them cope.
VWCV said it was urging the UK workforce to take time out and practise wellbeing – whether in the form of taking up a new hobby, exercising, talking to friends or getting outside.
The manufacturer’s #DownTools campaign was launched last year to raise awareness of the risks of burnout and, as part of a continued partnership with Mental Health UK, it said it was supporting its customers to finish work at the end of the working day.
VWCV head of marketing Kate Thompson said: “Mental health in the workplace is an incredibly important topic, and one we’re proud to continue exploring, with the aim of normalising discussions and promoting best practice.
“Our research over the years has really cast a light on the prevalence of mental health issues within the workplace and particularly with men and small business owners, and the difficulties of establishing an effective balance.
“So, we hope that by raising awareness, we will encourage people to prioritise their wellbeing and provide the resources to regain a productive work-life balance.”
