Ben urges engagement of new health and wellbeing survey

Ben has launched its Annual Industry Survey 2021 and is urging automotive sector employees to take part and share the health and wellbeing issues affecting them.

The survey requires participants to share the health and wellbeing challenges they have faced in the last 12 months, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ben said the results of the survey will help the charity continue to provide relevant support and services to automotive people.

Rachel Clift, health and wellbeing director at Ben, said: “Each year, we ask people who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry to tell us about the issues they have faced, or are facing, with their health and wellbeing.

“We use these vital insights so we can continue to develop and provide the relevant charitable support and services that automotive people need now and in the future. I’d also urge automotive employers to share the survey link with their employees.

“This survey has proven to be very beneficial in helping us understand what the biggest health and wellbeing challenges and issues are for automotive people."

The results of Ben's previous health and wellbeing survey revealed that 93% of respondents had been affected by health and wellbeing issues in the last year and that self-reported mental health and workplace issues were more prevalent in the automotive versus the rest of the UK employed population, according to Ben.

This included anxiety (56% vs. 45%), stress at work (50% vs.41%), depression (40% vs.31%) and pressure to meet targets (31% vs. 20%).

Ben launched a digital mental health and wellbeing platform, SilverCloud, following insights gained from previous surveys, said the charity.

SilverCloud helps support people to better manage their mental health and wellbeing using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The programme also helps individuals to develop positive coping strategies.

Ben said programmes are available on the platform on topics such as stress, anxiety and depression, money worries, sleep and resilience.

Ben also responded to the coronavirus crisis this year by developing a Coronavirus hub on its website, providing health and wellbeing tips, advice and tools online.

In addition to this, Ben said it also provided fast-track access to information, advice and guidance for issues related to money or for anyone affected by job losses.

The automotive benevolent charity’s Ben Ball will return for 2021, bringing relief to fund-raisers who faced a £1 million shortfall after last year’s COVID-enforced cancellation.

To take part in Ben’s Annual Industry Survey 2021 here: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90341604/pr-Health-Wellbeing-Survey-2021.

Clift said: "On behalf of Ben, I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to complete the survey. We are listening and we really appreciate you taking part. Your participation helps us to provide the right support for those who need us."