Trucking company owners are reporting ongoing levels of stress, anxiety, financial pressure, fatigue and tiredness which were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s according to a Transporting New Zealand industry survey of 400 companies across the sector, with 60% of respondents saying the pandemic has negatively impacted their work life and wellbeing.
About 60% of truck drivers also say the sustained pressure the industry has been operating under for the past couple of years has affected their mental health negatively.
The industry body says the steady levels of reported fatigue and tiredness (about 40% for both employers and employees) is concerning.
“The trucking industry helped carry New Zealand through our COVID-19 response by keeping shelves stocked and maintaining essential supply chains,” Transporting NZ chief executive Nick Leggett says.
“Doing this while negotiating lockdowns, economic uncertainty and staffing challenges has clearly posed wellbeing challenges for operators,” he says.
The findings have been released ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week which runs September 26 to October 2.
Leggett says it’s pleasing to see trucking companies are generally providing good support to their workers, with employees rating the assistance provided a seven out of 10.
Negative wellbeing impacts have also lessened for both employers and employees as the country moved through the pandemic.
“While our survey shows trucking businesses did a great job with updating health and safety policies and processes, providing clears communication and guidance to staff, and ensuring PPE availability, there is always room for improvement,” Leggett says.
The wellness survey was part of Transporting New Zealand’s ongoing COVID-19 Response Project, that will provide practical help and resources to their members and the wider road freight industry.
“Transporting New Zealand has launched a suite of wellbeing resources on its website, and will be promoting practical steps that road freight operators can take to maximise their mental health and business resilience.
“We will also continue to advocate for greater industry support from government to ensure our operators can operate sustainable, safe and successful businesses,” Leggett says.
*Click here for information on Transporting NZ’s health and wellbeing resources.
