The freight and logistics sector forms the backbone of Australia’s economy, moving goods across the nation and ensuring that businesses and communities remain connected.
However, behind the steady flow of goods and services are the transport workers – drivers, warehouse staff, logistics managers, and others – who face significant mental health challenges every day.
These challenges, if left unaddressed, can ripple through the entire supply chain, threatening its continuity and efficiency.
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that mental health is just as important as physical health, particularly in high-pressure industries like freight and logistics.
Yet, despite the essential role transport workers play, mental health support in this sector has been lacking. The demanding nature of the work, coupled with long hours, isolation, and the relentless pressure to meet deadlines, can take a severe toll on mental wellbeing.
Transport workers, particularly long-haul drivers, spend hours, if not days, on the road, often in isolation.
This extended period away from family and friends can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression.
Compounding this isolation is the physical and mental fatigue caused by irregular sleep patterns, poor diet, and the high degree of concentration required for the job.
The impacts of this go beyond individual suffering—poor mental health among transport workers can lead to decreased job performance, higher absenteeism, and in the worst cases, serious safety incidents.
From a business perspective, the mental health of transport workers directly impacts the smooth running of the supply chain. When workers are mentally unwell, their productivity declines, and the reliability of the logistics network is compromised.
Absenteeism due to mental health issues results in delivery delays, missed deadlines, and additional costs for businesses that rely on the transport network to function efficiently. These disruptions can have a cascading effect, potentially leading to inventory shortages, lost revenue, and damaged relationships with customers.
In addition to absenteeism, the turnover rate among workers struggling with mental health issues tends to be higher.
When employees leave due to mental strain or burnout, the cost of recruitment and training for new workers adds to the financial burden on companies. Retaining skilled workers is crucial to maintaining operational continuity, and supporting their mental health is key to achieving this.
For an industry that operates on tight margins, these indirect costs can be considerable. The economic losses caused by a mentally unhealthy workforce far outweigh the investments required to implement proper mental health interventions.
Addressing mental health issues in the freight and logistics sector starts with recognising that mental health is an occupational health and safety issue. Employers must be proactive in promoting mental health awareness and providing access to appropriate resources.
This includes regular mental health training for both workers and management, as well as offering confidential counselling services for those in need.
Furthermore, fostering a supportive and open workplace culture is crucial. Workers should feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of stigma or judgment.
Unfortunately, in industries like freight and logistics, mental health is often viewed as a personal issue rather than a workplace concern.
Changing this perception requires leadership and commitment from employers to prioritise the mental wellbeing of their workforce.
Another important aspect is the role of government and industry organisations. There needs to be a coordinated effort to develop mental health programs that are tailored to the unique challenges faced by transport workers.
Policy changes, industry guidelines, and initiatives that support mental health can make a significant difference in how workers cope with stress, fatigue, and isolation.
Ultimately, supporting the mental health of transport workers is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The freight and logistics sector cannot function without the people who drive it, and ensuring their mental wellbeing is vital for the continuity of the supply chain.
As the freight and logistics industry moves forward, mental health support must be at the forefront of our strategies to ensure a healthy, resilient workforce.
Supporting the mental wellbeing of our workers is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for keeping the wheels of the economy turning smoothly.
- Peter Anderson is the CEO of the Victorian Transport Association.