Van drivers look forward to a healthier year

In 2024, the lunch of choice for on-the-go UK van drivers was homemade sandwiches, snacks and wraps (56%), followed by fast-food options (42%), shop-bought meal-deals (39%), microwaveable meals (31%), and instant noodles or pasta (26%).

However, of the 1,000 UK van drivers surveyed in the annual study, 65% intend to make healthier food choices in the coming year.

More than half (52%) of the van drivers admitted to not getting enough exercise, falling short of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week. As part of their new year health kick, 57% of van drivers are therefore looking to incorporate more exercise into their weekly routine.

An increase in weekly working hours (2024 versus 2023) was reported by 61% of respondents, making it harder for UK van drivers to prioritise getting more regular exercise and taking steps to improve their mental health.

Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager and mental health first sider at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Prioritising health and fitness can be a real challenge, particularly when you’re on-the-go or working long hours, so it’s great to see so many van drivers making this a priority for the year ahead. We’re all aware of the positive impact that a healthy diet can have on our mood and mental wellbeing – and with an alarming number of van drivers concerned about work-life balance and looking to prioritise better mental health, these efforts are even more essential to help van drivers stay in good physical and mental shape.”

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