Faced with a driver complaining of stress at work, many of Britain’s van fleet operators would be unsympathetic in the extreme.

But think of the consequences.

If that driver obtains a sick note from the doctor, he or she could be off work for months, leaving you short of staff and out of pocket.

A YouGov poll for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) recently found 44% of the 2,000 adults surveyed in the logistics and transport industry admitted they were feeling more pressure because of the recession.



Some 37% said it was because of increased responsibilities combined with fewer resources available from their employer.

And 65% said they were worried about job insecurity.



Jane Gillham, from training company Pivotal Performance, said: “Everyone knows someone who is at threat of redundancy right now and that places huge internal pressure on you to perform better in your own role.

Ironically the stress this can create is more likely to make you less efficient in what you do. All that worrying is not good for your mind or body and is likely to affect you.

”

The firm has put together a series of anti-stress tips which are aimed at combating this growing problem.

  • Develop better time management skills. Learn to prioritise work and do the most important things first


  • Take more breaks. Working through lunch makes you less effective in the afternoons, meaning you will achieve less overall


  • Listen more. The answers are always there in front of you – you just need to listen for them instead of arguing your point


  • Get more sleep. A well-rested body makes it easier to put proper perspective on your problems


  • Laugh more. It’s nature’s stress reliever. A bit of office banter creates a better workplace.