Research of 2,000 UK workers reveals van drivers come fourth in the most-loneliest jobs, with one in four (25%) feeling lonely at work.
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.
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.
Research also showed that loneliness affected employees working from home (20%) and those based in an office equally (20%).
As the number of van drivers has increased amid the rise in e-commerce, the research shows almost 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.
More than one in four (28%) said they experience more anxiety about speaking to other people at work than they did a year ago, as a result of having less social interactions.
Iain Forsyth, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK, said: “A single meaningful conversation can have a huge impact on someone’s mental wellbeing, especially if they’re spending long hours at work alone.”
The Mercedes-Benz Vans commissioned research comes as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) launches new guidance to support driver health and wellbeing.
The new guidance aims to help operators take a more practical and proactive approach to driver health and wellbeing, supporting both workforce sustainability and road safety.
Guide to Maintaining Driver Health – Keeping Drivers Fit for the Road encourages businesses to treat health as a safety issue, not simply a compliance requirement, and to support early conversations that help drivers stay fit, safe and supported throughout their careers.
The guidance covers a wide range of factors including mental and physical health, diet, neurodiversity and lifestyle, offering practical steps operators can take to enhance their policies and working environments.
The aim is to help businesses reduce absenteeism, improve retention and support healthier, more resilient workforces.
Richard Smith, managing director at the RHA, said: “Professional drivers sit at the heart of our industry. Their health and wellbeing are fundamental to road safety, business resilience and the long-term sustainability of the sector.
“This guide is about moving beyond minimum requirements and taking a practical, proactive approach that works for operators and genuinely supports drivers.”
The guide will be a key focus of the RHA’s Westminster Parliamentary Reception next week (Tuesday, February 10), where industry leaders and policymakers will discuss the importance of driver welfare in building a safer and more sustainable transport sector.
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