Long distance driving has been rated as one of the most lonely jobs, according to a new poll. The study of 2,000 UK workers found delivery and long-distance drivers reported spending the most time alone – up to 15 hours per week – but only 17% feel lonely at work, having built up a strong network in their profession.
Topping the list of loneliest jobs was farmers and agriculture workers, who spend an average of 13.7 hours alone during a working week. More than one in four (27%) say they feel lonely at work.
Mercedes-Benz Vans carried out the research to highlight the scale of van driver loneliness and the toll on driver mental health and wellbeing.
The average van driver spends 13.7 hours alone at the wheel during a typical week. Now the manufacturer is calling for more conversations in the workplace.
The research – carried out by Opinium – reveals that calling or checking in on a loved one and sharing a tea break with a teammate are among the biggest benefits of good mental wellbeing at work.
Yet fewer than half (43%) of van drivers stop to have a chat during a break with a colleague. And the days of checking in on your nearest and dearest and the traditional ‘phone call home’ are over. Only 12% of UK workers call their partners once a day from work.
The average person last spoke to their partner on the phone 13 days ago, while one in five (21%) call home once a month or less.
More than half (53%) said they would only call them if they needed something urgently, or in an emergency.
Research also showed that loneliness affected employees working from home (20%) and those based in an office equally (20%), while workers on the move – such as van and delivery drivers – were slightly more affected (25%).
As the amount of van drivers continues to increase amid the rise in e-commerce, the research shows many are feeling the impact of spending long hours at the wheel.
Nearly half (49%) have fewer than five conversations a day, while 46% do not spend more than five minutes per day in one person’s company.
