Fancy something a little more visual? View our Driver Wellbeing Toolkit PDF.

Understanding Driver Roadblocks

Every day, professional drivers face a unique combination of challenges: long hours behind the wheel, physical strain from loading and unloading, and the mental demands of dealing with traffic and tight schedules. While these pressures may come with the job, they can take a lasting toll on both physical and mental health.

Healthy, supported drivers are more productive, safer on the road, and more likely to stay in their roles. That’s why we’re focused on creating a healthier, more sustainable future for the logistics workforce.

Tackling the Toll on the Body

Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues are one of the most common causes of work-related ill health among drivers. Whether it's lower back pain from long hours of sitting or shoulder tension from loading cargo, these issues can lead to absenteeism and even long-term injuries.

Common MSK issues:

• Lower Back Pain: Often caused by prolonged sitting, poor seat support, and vibrations from the vehicle.
• Neck and Shoulder Tension: Twisting, reaching, or holding awkward postures when checking mirrors or securing loads.
• Knee and Wrist Pain: Repetitive strain from frequent climbing in and out of the cab or gripping the wheel for hours.

Simple, Practical Steps:

Small changes can make a big difference in managing pain and preventing injury.

• Improve Cab Ergonomics: Adjustable seats with lumbar support and controls positioned within easy reach.
• Incorporate Stretch Routines: Short, effective exercises drivers can do during breaks.
• Provide Safe Lifting Training: Emphasising correct posture, equipment use, and teamwork.
• Offer Regular Health Assessments: Routine MSK screenings by occupational health professionals to catch issues early and refer to appropriate treatment.

Mental Fitness Behind the Wheel

Driving can be an isolating job. Extended time alone, tight deadlines, and demanding routes can take a toll on mental health. Sadly, many drivers don’t feel comfortable speaking up about how they’re feeling.

The Reality:

• 1 in 4 HGV drivers will experience a mental health issue within a 12-month period.
• 46% of UK lorry and van drivers have considered quitting in the past year due to stress, poor support, and unsafe roads.
• 95% of stress-related absences go unreported as physical illness.

What Can Be Done:

• Manager Mental Health Awareness Training: Help them recognise signs, offer support, and reduce stigma.
• Establish Communication Channels: Regular check-ins and anonymous feedback options.
• Provide Access to Support Services: Employee assistance programmes (EAPs), counselling, and telehealth.
• Plan With Wellbeing in Mind: Realistic route schedules, buffer time for delays, and autonomy where possible.

Shifting Gears for a Healthier Habits

The demands of the job can make it difficult for drivers to prioritise exercise, sleep, or healthy eating. Here are some small shifts to build healthier habits:

• Support Meal Preparation: Cool boxes, healthy snack ideas, and onboard meal kit options.
• Incentives for Movement: Step challenges, fitness tracker rewards, or active break policies.
• Encourage In-Cab Fitness: Resistance bands, stretching guides, and short routines for rest stops.
• Provide Coaching & Motivation: Partner with health coaches or use wellbeing apps to support habit change.

Driving Positive Change

Wellbeing initiatives only work when they’re embedded into company culture. That means making health a shared priority across the business.

How Employers Can Lead:

• Integrate Wellbeing into Planning: Design routes and workloads to allow for recovery time.
• Recognise Participation: Celebrate drivers who engage in wellness programmes.
• Provide Easy Access to Resources: Ensure support is consistently available.
• Ask & Listen: Involve drivers in shaping wellbeing initiatives.

Supporting Our Drivers

At TLP, we understand that early starts, long days, and the mental load of driving aren’t “just part of the job”. They’re real, everyday challenges. That’s why we make sure our drivers feel supported, no matter the time.

If you're an employer looking to improve driver retention, safety, and performance through better wellbeing support, we can help. Contact our team.

And, if you’re a driver looking for more than just a job, where your wellbeing matters and your career is supported, speak to your local branch.