Stress tops automotive industry pressures

Automotive charity Ben has revealed that stress is the number one issue workers in the sector are struggling with.

Its latest survey of more than 1,000 automotive employees found that 66% of respondents said stress had most affected their health and wellbeing, followed by poor sleep and low mood, both at 62%.

The survey also revealed that the proportion of people suffering from stress in the workplace has increased by eight per cent year on year, with ‘high workloads’, ‘pressure to meet targets’ and ‘not enough staff’ driving this.

Meanwhile, poor sleep has increased from 49% to 62%, while around 92% of people also reported their cost-of-living had increased compared with a year ago and those struggling to make ends meet has increased by 10% to 28%.

Respondents were also asked to highlight the issues most likely to impact them over the next 12 months. The top three issues mentioned were the cost-of-living crisis (52%), supply chain shortages (33%), and staff shortages (31%).

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing director at Ben, said: “With it being Stress Awareness Month, it is very timely that we’re sharing our latest survey results, especially as the findings tell us that stress is presenting as a real area of concern for our automotive workforce. Through our annual surveys, we listen to our automotive family so we can fully understand the health and wellbeing issues they are facing, enabling us to provide the support they need.

“In addition to stress being the biggest issue, it’s clear to see that automotive workers are also under more pressure and aren’t taking enough time to rest and relax outside of work. There are also some worrying trends relating to the cost-of-living crisis, such as skipping meals. In light of these results, we want everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry to know that we’re there for them, so please get in touch if you’re struggling.”