More than half of people working in the automotive industry say they are experiencing stress and are affected by poor sleep. Nearly half are living with anxiety. And one in three have experienced loneliness.
In an industry where over 82% of the workforce is male, the pressure to simply “carry on” remains deeply entrenched. This is reflected by the fact that 1 in 3 men say they haven’t sought any support for their health or wellbeing in the last 12 months. Men’s Mental Health Week, which fell earlier this month, shone a light on exactly this pattern: the silent struggle that keeps so many men from asking for help.
It’s a reality that Steer Automotive Group, the UK’s leading automotive repair business, is working to change. During the first week of June, in partnership with Ben, The Automotive Industry Charity, Steer Automotive Group brought its “Wellbeing on Wheels” tour to twelve of its sites across England – putting free, confidential mental health support directly in front of the people who need it most.
The Ben Bus spent approximately two hours at each location, giving Steer colleagues time away from the workshop to speak with Ben representatives, access information about available services, and, crucially, have conversations that might not otherwise happen.
Ellen Plumer, Head of Awareness & Experience at Ben, said: “Health and wellbeing challenges are affecting the majority of people working in the automotive industry and stress is the most common issue. We know that meaningful human connection – having someone who asks genuine questions, listens without judgement and takes the time to understand – can make a real difference. It’s also vital that people know where to turn when they need support. That’s what this tour is all about: getting in front of people in their place of work, having important conversations, raising awareness of Ben and making it easier for them to take that first step towards getting support.”
Richard Steer, CEO of Steer Automotive Group, said: “At Steer, we recognise the value of company-wide collaboration when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, so colleagues know that help is there for them wherever they are. It’s about building a culture where speaking up is normal, encouraged and supported across the business. Because we believe wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, and we’re committed to continuing to strengthen the support available across all our teams.”
The tour builds on a long-standing partnership between Steer Automotive Group and Ben that gives every Steer employee, and their family members, access to Ben’s full suite of free, confidential support, including counselling, life coaching, a 24/7 digital mental wellbeing platform, and a confidential helpline.
Ben supports anyone who has worked in the automotive industry. More information and free resources are available at ben.org.uk, or via the helpline: 08081 311 333 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).
Key Facts
- 56% of automotive workers are experiencing stress, 44% are living with anxiety and 31% have experienced loneliness.
- Over 82% of the automotive workforce is male, and 1 in 3 men say they haven’t sought any support for their health or wellbeing in the last 12 months.
- To help tackle this and mark World Wellbeing Week (24th–30th June), Steer and Ben, The Automotive Industry Charity, have launched a “Wellbeing on Wheels” tour, bringing free, confidential mental health support directly to colleagues across twelve sites in England. Watch the video here to learn more.
Statistics sourced from Ben, The Automotive Industry Charity.
