Van driver Jayne Taggart spends 80% of her time alone and can go as long as a week without face-to-face conversation, as new research shows loneliness crisis in the profession
Van driver Jayne Taggart has opened up about working in one of Britain’s most isolating jobs…where she can go an entire week without having a single face-to-face conversation.
A campaign from Mercedes-Benz Vans exposes how van driving has emerged as one of the professions most severely affected by loneliness and mental health struggles. More than one in four (27%) van drivers report feeling isolated at work and spend an average of 13.7 hours by themselves during the week.
Nearly four in 10 (37%) never contact a loved one during their working day, whilst 31% don’t spend more than five minutes in another person’s company.
Jayne, from Billingham – who operates removal business Woman with a Van – travels across the UK helping families relocate and spends 80% of her time in solitude.
Whilst she relishes the freedom her business provides, she understands firsthand the consequences of spending time alone on the road and within the industry.
Jayne explained: “Because of my job I spend 80% of my time alone and I can go days, sometimes as long as a week, without having a physical conversation with anyone.
“I will sometimes see my customers for a cup of tea before a job but other than that it’s a lot of time on my own in my van, on the road.
“So when I am spending time with customers, I make the most of it – and I make sure I listen to what they say as well as talking.
“As a result, since starting my removals business I’ve made a lot of friends along the way. I’ve even been invited to come to a few of my customers’ weddings.”
Jayne was speaking as fresh research from Mercedes-Benz Vans showed that fewer than half (43%) of UK workers regularly pause for a chat during their breaks.
However, the Opinium study by Mercedes-Benz Vans surveying 2,000 UK workers found that phoning or checking in on loved ones and sharing tea breaks are amongst the greatest advantages for positive mental wellbeing at work.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is urging more people to communicate openly in the workplace, as van drivers have become one of the professions most affected by loneliness and mental health challenges.
Jayne confirms that she has gained from taking time to chat with her customers.
She explained: “Having the loyalty of customers is so important in this business. Most of my customers are women, who would rather work with another lady to help them as they’re usually more comfortable.
“But that means they trust me, and some have become good friends.”
Iain Forsyth, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK, commented: “A single meaningful conversation can have a huge impact on someone’s mental wellbeing, especially if they’re spending long hours at work alone.
“Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK are encouraging colleagues to take a break, a walk or reach out to a loved one, friend or colleague to check in.”