Jessica BirdThe Motor Ombudsman has partnered with automotive industry charity Ben to launch Steer, a quick-reference guide aimed at helping businesses across the sector recognise and respond to employee mental health and wellbeing challenges.
Unveiled at Automechanika Birmingham on 3rd June, the guide is available in printed form and as a free download from The Motor Ombudsman’s website.
It offers practical strategies for employers, insight into key mental health concerns in the workforce, and guidance on how to support individuals effectively.
The collaboration followed The Motor Ombudsman’s survey of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops, which found that 49% of vehicle repairers cited mental and physical health pressures as one of their top workforce challenges.
Steer addresses a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety and poor sleep—identified as the top three wellbeing concerns in Ben’s most recent annual Health and Wellbeing survey, which gathered responses from over 1,000 automotive employees.
These issues have become more acute amid rising living costs and continued financial pressures, with the survey results showing a notable increase compared to the previous year and exceeding national averages.
The guide was jointly written by The Motor Ombudsman and Ben, combining their respective expertise in regulation and wellbeing.
Alongside background on common mental health struggles, it includes case studies, employer testimonials, and information on Ben’s free, confidential support services.
The resource also highlights the importance of building open, supportive environments where mental health is regularly discussed and understood.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ben on such an important initiative.
“The resource has been designed to guide businesses in the right direction when identifying mental health challenges, whilst equally empowering employers and employees to talk openly in a positive environment to tackle these challenges effectively together.”
He added: “People are an organisation’s most valuable resource, and whilst there is never a ‘one-size-fits-all approach’, it is important that they never feel alone and are aware that there is support available in their time of need, both via their employer and beyond.”
Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “We’re thrilled to join forces with The Motor Ombudsman, an authority in the automotive sector, to provide this much-needed and vital resource which will prove very useful to those working in the industry.
“It also allows us to engage further and build even greater awareness about mental health and the importance of talking about this topic, which can still have a stigma attached to it.”
Print copies of Steer are available to order via The Motor Ombudsman’s Code Shop, with 50p from each purchase donated to Ben.
