Monica Rinaldi, Product Manager of Medical Innovations and Strategy at Travelers Insurance, sat down with FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson on the August 25th episode of What the Truck?!? to discuss the wellness and mental health in trucking and what trucking companies can do to improve support for drivers.
Truck drivers face many challenges to their health and wellness, but there are measures that carriers and other organizations can take to enhance their overall wellbeing.
Truck driving is a demanding occupation that often has a negative effect on mental health due to long hours, overnight shifts, sleep disruptions, and constant stress. “Then you add in isolation, tight delivery windows, a lack of routine,” Rinaldi said. “It can really take a toll.”
The physical and mental burden is especially taxing to long-haul truckers, who endure conditions that can wear down both mind and body, according to Rinaldi.
Even if they find ways to manage physical health, Rinaldi says, social isolation is another significant challenge for truck drivers.
“You miss birthdays, holidays, all the small things that connect you to your family, even to your community,” Rinaldi said. “While technology can let the drivers check in with home, it’s really no substitute for an in-person connection.”
In fact, studies show that a lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and even depression.
“Access to mental health care is a huge issue,” Rinaldi said. “Many drivers, independents, don’t have access to health care. And even for those who are full-time employees, just getting back to home base to see a provider can be a challenge,” she said.
Regulatory constraints across state lines further complicate the availability of many virtual mental health services, unfortunately.
The impact of physical health conditions, exacerbated by the nature of the job, also contributes to mental health problems. The sedentary lifestyle of truck drivers can lead to poor nutrition, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
“It’s all very interconnected,” Rinaldi said. “And then to make matters worse, you’ve got the job itself. You have high stakes, stress. It’s exhausting.”
Physical stressors, coupled with mental challenges, create a vicious cycle that can degrade a driver’s quality of life and safety on the road.
According to Rinaldi, the way forward for the trucking industry is to adopt a more holistic approach to driver wellness by integrating mental health into overall driver safety strategies. This includes wellness campaigns and robust employee assistance programs.
“We need to take a more proactive driver-centered approach and make sure that mental health is treated as part of the overall driver safety,” Rinaldi said.
Training for fleet managers to recognize red flags and early signs of mental health struggles can be pivotal. There are many benefits of integrating mental health initiatives into corporate strategies.
“Mental wellness can help lead to better performance, fewer incidents, and longer careers,” Rinaldi said. This approach, according to Rinaldi, not only supports driver wellbeing but also helps improve driver retention, a significant business advantage in a competitive industry.
Stigma around mental health, especially in a traditionally male-dominated industry like trucking, is another pervasive barrier to mental health support.
“Many drivers, especially men, don’t want to admit that they’re struggling,” Rinaldi said. “A lot of them are worried it’s going to affect their job.” Overcoming this barrier is critical to encouraging drivers to seek the mental health support they need.
A proactive industry-wide response is key to fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized and stigma is diminished. Programs that facilitate open discussions, provide education, and promote mental health resources can make a significant difference.
“Giving these drivers tools to manage stress is good for them, but it’s also a smart business move,” Rinaldi said. Driver well-being is just one part of a strategy of sustainable business practices.
Enhancing driver mental health care requires comprehensive approaches combining industry support, policy change, and cultural shifts to break down barriers and promote well-rounded health. As the trucking industry evolves, implementing robust mental health and wellness initiatives will not only improve the lives of drivers but also enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity on the road.
To learn more about these initiatives and accessing resources, read this Travelers Institute white paper on Investing in Mental Well-Being. The Travelers Institute offers a wealth of information aimed at equipping both drivers and companies with the knowledge needed to create a healthier, more sustainable industry.
Through focused efforts on all fronts, the trucking industry can pave the way for a future where driver wellness is an inherent part of operational success and culture.