Stress is the leading health and wellbeing issue in the automotive industry, according to the latest findings from industry charity Ben.
This year’s annual health and wellbeing report reveals results from the charity’s most recent survey, which polled over 1,000 automotive workers. It found the top five health and wellbeing issues identified by respondents, as well as highlighting an increase in these issues.
The top five health and wellbeing issues identified were:
- Stress – 57%
- Poor sleep – 52%
- Anxiety – 44%
- Not taking time out for rest and relaxation – 43%
- Low mood – 41%
Almost all survey respondents were personally affected by a health and wellbeing issue during the previous year. Poor work-life balance has increased by 6%, to 38%, and this issue is most common for those working in showrooms, parts departments, and garages. Long hours, low staffing levels and high workloads are also growing concerns.
Mental health scores have got worse over the past 12 months and automotive workers cited they believe employers need to do more to support them, with one in nine people personally affected by a lack of support for mental health in the workplace.
The survey results continue to show that automotive workers are more likely to experience issues with work-life balance and mental health, compared to other UK workers. Furthermore, mental health issues remain the most prominent of the top 10 issues, affecting hundreds of people in the automotive industry.
Health and wellbeing driving workers out
The health and wellbeing survey also revealed that almost one in four automotive workers are considering leaving the industry and, of these people, one in two are considering doing due to poor mental health.
Money worries remain a big problem for automotive workers with many still impacted by cost-of-living pressures. One in six people reported skipping meals, one in five have experienced issues with debt and one in four of those considering leaving the industry reported they had financial problems.
The survey is in its eighth year and aims to uncover the key health and wellbeing issues affecting the automotive industry workforce so that Ben can continue providing relevant health and wellbeing services and support for industry people and their families.
For more insights, including a breakdown of results by industry sub-sector, sign up to receive your copy of the report here.
Valuable understanding
“This year’s survey results shed light on the biggest health and wellbeing challenges facing our automotive family,” commented Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer at Ben. “Our annual surveys offer a valuable opportunity to listen directly to those within our industry, helping us better understand their issues so we can provide the relevant services and support for automotive people and their families.
“These insights also allow us to engage with employers and industry partners, so we can collectively work towards improving the resilience, wellbeing and motivation of automotive workers and the industry as a whole.
“Stress remains the biggest issue for our automotive family, with many people citing they don’t feel they have enough time to switch off from work to rest and relax, as well as raising concerns over access to support. Money worries are also clearly continuing to impact on people’s lives, adding to these stresses. Unsurprisingly, the challenges we are seeing are taking a toll on people’s mental health which is a continuing trend for our industry.
“Following these results, we want to ensure that everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry knows we are there for them, so please get in touch if you are struggling.”
You can get in touch with Ben by visiting www.ben.org.uk/gethelp. The charity also works closely with employers to support employees – you can read more in the full report, or by visiting www.ben.org.uk/business.
