A new survey commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the UK has found that almost 1 in 4 (24%) van drivers have faced mental health issues in the past 12 months, while 51% of respondents report feeling overwhelmed by work every month. 

A poor work-life balance and working too many hours (32% and 28% respectively) were cited as some of the top causes of worry and stress leading to mental health issues. Respondents attributed this to a sharp increase in working hours as the majority (60%) of UK van drivers have seen their working hours increase, with as many as 40% working 10 hours or more per day. 1 in 10 respondents admitted to working 13 hours or more per day. 

To mark International Stress Awareness Week, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is urging van drivers to prioritise their mental health, by raising awareness of the significant impact that working long hours can bring.

Eve Tyers, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK, said,  “These findings clearly show the alarming number of van drivers in the UK that are feeling overworked and overwhelmed, as well as the impact this is having on their mental health. We’re therefore encouraging van drivers to prioritise their wellbeing, making sure to take the breaks they need to remain in good physical and mental shape day-to-day.”