Empowering Automotive Workers: A Comprehensive Guide to Mental Health Support
Guide Introduced for Automotive Employees to Manage Mental Health Struggles Due to Intense Work Environment
The automotive industry is taking strides to combat the increasing mental health challenges facing its workforce. The Motor Ombudsman, with the help of charity Ben, has crafted an impressive, free-to-access guide called Steer, designed to help businesses recognize and support team members grappling with mental health and well-being issues.
Mental Health Pressures Investigated
This initiative stems from a survey conducted by The Motor Ombudsman toward the end of last year. The research revealed that nearly half (49%) of vehicle repairers were concerned about the rising mental and physical health pressures affecting their workforce, due to factors like mounting living costs. These findings were backed by Ben's latest Health and Well-Being survey, which highlighted stress, poor sleep, and anxiety as primary concerns for the majority of automotive employees—with increased financial pressures making these issues even more prevalent.
Steer: A Handy Resource for Mental Health Support
Steer, a cooperative effort between The Motor Ombudsman and Ben, tackles mental health struggles head-on by raising awareness of their impact on workforce morale, engagement, and performance. It offers practical strategies, guidance, and resources to address these challenges. Key topics covered in the launch edition include:
- An overview of mental health and common triggers
- Tips for creating open, mental health-aware work environments
- Communication strategies for approaching mental health and well-being concerns
- Real-life case studies and testimonials demonstrating how garages have helped employees face challenges and sought support from Ben
- A summary of Ben's annual Health and Well-Being survey report findings
- A rundown of the free, confidential support, services, and resources provided by Ben to workers in the automotive industry
Leading the Charge for Mental Health Awareness
Upon the unveiling of Steer, Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman, and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, stated, "Steer equips businesses to pinpoint mental health challenges and empowers both employers and employees to address these issues collaboratively in a positive setting." He reaffirmed that "People are an organization's most valuable resource, and it's crucial that they never feel alone, knowing support is available during challenging times."
Rachel Clift, Ben's CEO, highlighted the guide's significance: "Steer signifies a potent force for positive change in the automotive sector, shedding light on mental health challenges and promoting open conversations about this often stigmatized topic. By fostering understanding, encouraging dialogue, and emphasizing the availability of support, we can better assist individuals dealing with mental health struggles."
Practical Strategies for a Healthier Workforce
In addition to the Steer guide, other measures being taken to support the mental health of automotive workers include mental health workshops, confidential support services, improved work-life balance policies, and economic incentives for reducing absenteeism and turnover. By prioritizing mental health, companies can create a supportive environment where workers are happier, healthier, and more productive—greatly benefiting both employees and businesses alike.
- Recognizing the mounting mental and physical health pressures in the automotive industry, The Motor Ombudsman partnered with charity Ben to create Steer, a valuable resource for businesses to combat mental health challenges and support their workforce.
- The guide, Steer, tackles mental health issues by providing practical strategies, resources, and open communication tips to help create mentally healthy work environments and better support employees dealing with mental health and well-being concerns.
- Steer's launch edition covers essential topics like the impact of mental health on workforce morale, engagement, and performance, as well as offering real-life case studies and testimonials from garages that have helped employees navigate challenges and seek support from Ben.
- In the ever-changing business landscape, prioritizing mental health through initiatives like Steer, workshops, confidential support services, and economic incentives can help create workplaces that promote well-being, leading to happier, healthier, and more productive employees, ultimately benefiting both employees and businesses.
