The industry challenge
According to a report published by Deloitte in 2017, the transport, shipping and logistics sector had the highest level of absenteeism within the private sector industries surveyed, whereas transport and communications equally experienced the second greatest level of workplace stress.
According to the Office of National Statistics, the transport, shipping and logistics sector had a sickness absence rate of 2.5% in 2021, which was higher than the UK all-sector average of 2.2%.
Given that the most recent report from the Health and Safety Executive stated that in 2018/19 stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 44% of all work-related ill health cases and 54% of all working days lost due to ill health, this serves as further evidence that the cost of poor mental health to UK businesses is hugely significant.
More so within the transport and logistics sector, this impact is reflected in the concerning statistics from the Office for National Statistics, who in 2017 reported that drivers of fork lift trucks had a suicide rate 85% higher than the national average. Van drivers were noted to have a rate 25% higher, and drivers of large goods vehicles 20% higher than the national average.
The need for industry leaders to take direct action within the transport and logistics sector is becoming increasingly obvious. These recent reports reflect the harsh reality that many across the industry are struggling with their day-to-day activities, and for many organisations, the task of tacking the challenge of mental ill-health can seem daunting. But we are here to help.
Find out how we can help you.
Working alongside industry partners across the industry, Mates in Mind is proud to be delivering the support, education, resources and materials that organisations need to improve the mental health of workforces within the transport and logistics sector.
Using a joined-up approach to mental health, we are offering more than a tick-box mentality to tackling the issue. It is essential that with an issue such as this, the change that is being delivered is sustainable, and our approach in partnering to with organisations to provide them with the skills, clarity and confidence to raise awareness, improve understanding and address the stigma that surrounds mental health, is proven.
Working with Maersk
"At Maersk, we aim is to create a culture where everyone feels able to speak out and to provide support for employees when needed – no one should have to suffer in silence.
"For this reason, we are partnering with Mates in Mind to improve the mental health of our workforce. We have invested in a range of mental health support ranging from training up mental health first aiders, to carrying out training for our managers on how to identify and support individuals with mental health issues."
Ruth, Maersk
Working with FORS
"Addressing this issue in the workplace is vital not only to those affected but also to the business performance of its member companies. By ensuring we take this issue seriously, by encouraging openness and being able to signpost professional services to help, we will make the logistics industry a more attractive profession to join, grow and thrive in, which in turn can only benefit UK PLC.
"Mates in Mind has been key to helping FORS understand the issue of mental health in the workplace and the services they can provide to FORS members will be of great benefit. Their proactive approach in offering their help and presenting to the FORS Governance & Standards Advisory Group impressed, and FORS were delighted to make Mates in Mind Associate Members which means its member companies can easily access Mates in Mind services. FORS has also become an official supporter of Mates in Mind and it is recommended that other organisations follow suit."
Gordon Sutherland Traffic and Road Logistics Managers, FORS
Continue reading - How we work
We appreciate that every organisation has its own culture and way of working, and it will be the same when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Find out more about how we work with organisations to help them meet their mental health and wellbeing goals.
Learn more about how we work