Previously we discussed putting a larger focus on technician health and wellness, as well as what the costs of ignoring tech health could be. A person’s health struggles can’t always be measured on a scale or fixed with a meal plan. The needs of the job, combined with an off-kilter work-life balance, can manifest in less obvious but equally damaging ways. These include stress and anxiety, which then can lead to addiction and suicide.
“Mental health is just not talked about,” revealed Joshua Taylor, an Ontario, Canada-based-mechanics coach and host of the Wrench Turners podcast. “It’s a very short road from dark to very dark. And unfortunately, it’s a disastrous road.”
Taylor started his podcast after seeing how serious a problem suicide was in vehicle repair. According to 2021 Center for Disease Control stats, the occupational average is 32 suicides per 100,000 for males. Automotive service techs/mechanics have a rate of 80.6, while bus/truck/diesel techs are at 40.1.
Taylor offered that auto techs go into the job expecting to work on “fast cars and all the new stuff,” while the reality is doing oil changes all day and working on the same type of car, while the supervisor harangues: “Is it done? Is it done?”
A 2010 study called “Depress Anxiety” found that 70% of those who attempt suicide suffered from an anxiety disorder such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. And along with the threat of suicide, anxiety and depression cost the workplace in productivity. A 2020 Lancet study reported that “anxiety and depression costs the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity.”
“Anxiety is the basis on which many of the negative emotions come from—stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and things of that nature,” Taylor said. “The more anxiety you can remove from a mechanic’s day, the more successful they’re gonna be.”
Taylor also noted how anxiety can lead to addiction as a coping mechanism. This is not limited to drugs and alcohol, but also food and video games.
Despite all the complex and grim stats, Taylor’s experience leads him to believe there’s a simple fix to mitigate techs’ anxiety.
“Just talk to them,” he bluntly stated. “Ask them what they need to be successful.”
According to recent WrenchWay polling data of auto and diesel techs, while 30% of techs meet with their managers weekly, another 30% never do. The most concerning stat is that only one in five would recommend the industry to a friend.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can then take root from feeling powerless and constantly micromanaged. Taylor acknowledged shops can’t accommodate techs’ requests to reduce stress, as they may run counter to business goals and company values.
“I’m not asking anybody to do that,” he offered. “I’m asking you to have a conversation with all of your team and understand what their needs are.”
Veteran fleet maintenance manager Bryan Self also believes in speaking with techs face-to-face. He’s still settling into his new role as director of fleet for Florida East Coast Rail, so it will take some time before he’s able to chat with all 110 techs across the eight locations. He does plan to ask them what’s missing or lacking in the shop and what works best.
He’ll also watch people’s habits, learn how they work, and how the overall structure functions, keeping detailed notes on a spreadsheet. Self then plans to combine the insights together and enact changes he surmises will provide the most impact.
This is done methodically, as he learned long ago not to make changes too rashly.
“First, sit back, see how everything operates, then slowly implement things,” Self said. “They seem to stick better that way.” He also noted that managers are the driving force of change, so they “have to be consistent with that change,” making sure they stay intact and everyone is on board.
This will likely include ensuring water and healthy snacks are abundant, muscles are properly stretched, and the health plan caters to techs’ needs. It will still be up to the employees to take control of their health, but at least they won’t feel powerless or under-supported.
“You’re never going to please 100% of the people, but every little step that you do towards the people you work with makes a difference,” Self concluded.
