Industrial Workers are Left Behind in Mental Health Benefits Sector

Employers are constantly looking for ways to engage employees and keep them happy in the workplace. However, certain industries aren’t receiving the same attention. For industrial workers in trades such as warehousing and transportation services, 47% are stressed at work, and 24% said this strain has a negative effect concerning their mental health. Twenty nine percent say that the stress takes a toll physically as well.

For industrial workers, gaining flexibility through remote work is impossible, and there have been more expectations for workers in this industry without the support or benefits found elsewhere. Unfortunately, industrial workers are often treated as vehicles to help meet goals, rather than employees that are valuable and important to retain. With this, 32% of transport and warehouse employees are too tired to actively engage with family and friends because of their jobs, while 24% express feeling they’re missing out on integral life moments because of their inconsistent or bad work hours.

Even before COVID, almost a third of workers in industrial settings said it’s always difficult to take any time off, while one in five said they feel the industry is resisting the change it needs regarding providing employees with a good work-life balance. If things don’t change, many industrial workers may find employment in other sectors of the workforce. Many employers already have drained labor pools, and have to bring workers in from neighboring cities to do manufacturing or warehouse work.

With over half of transport and warehouse workers reporting getting only five (or even fewer) training shifts, and one in five reporting they received no training at all, a perceived disregard for safety and health from employers makes workers even more stressed out. With industrial workers keeping all other industries running, it’s imperative employers start investing more into the wellbeing of these essential workers.

For more information contact Eric Allen Kauk, Esq., LL.M. at (813)-203-0208 for guidance.