| | Biker News - Regularly updated
Category: Charity
-
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched a new report revealing results from its latest survey, in which over 1 in 4 automotive workers (27%) reported issues managing their mental health. This is compared to 16% of UK workers who said they have issues managing their mental health, showing it’s a bigger issue for people working in the automotive industry.
The survey also found that an overwhelming 99.6% of automotive people have been affected by a health & wellbeing issue over the previous 12 months. Stress remains the most common health & wellbeing issue that automotive employees face, at 56%, followed by poor sleep (51%), feelings of anxiety (43%) and low mood (41%). The results clearly show that mental health issues are the most prominent of the top 10 issues and affect a number of people in the automotive industry.
Furthermore, a total of 7 in 10 respondents said they worry about money and these people are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, low mood and depression. The number of people worrying about money has increased from the year before (6 in 10), which is most likely caused by cost-of-living pressures. Year on year, debt has increased by 3% (19% to 22%), being unable to budget has increased by 12% (14% to 26%), being unable to save has increased by 5% (31% to 36%) and skipping meals has increased by 6% (10% to 16%).
The survey also revealed that 1 in 7 automotive workers are considering leaving the industry and that pay is the biggest motivator for this (29%). A total of 87% of those considering leaving the industry have had financial issues and 63% are experiencing stress at work.
Read report
Read the report of the results here: www.ben.org.uk/surveyreport2024
This was Ben’s biggest survey to date with a record 1,872 automotive employee respondents of all UK regions, ages, gender and working environments. The survey is in its seventh year and aims to uncover the key health and wellbeing issues currently affecting the automotive industry workforce so Ben can continue to provide relevant support now and in the future.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We’re pleased to be launching our latest survey results report to highlight the health and wellbeing issues that our automotive family are facing. Our annual surveys are the ideal opportunity to hear from our automotive family so we can fully understand their struggles and then provide the support they need. We also take it as an opportunity to share these insights with employers and our industry stakeholders so we can all do more to support automotive people and their families.
“Mental health issues are affecting 1 in 4 of our automotive family and we can see that money worries are contributing to this. More people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, with issues such as skipping meals and debt on the rise. Of course, this is likely to have an impact on their overall health and wellbeing, including both their physical and mental health.”
“On the back of these results, we want to make sure that everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry knows we’re there for them, so please get in touch if you’re struggling by visiting www.ben.org.uk/gethelp. We’re here for employers too and you can read about how Ben can support your business and the health and wellbeing of your employees in the report, or by visiting www.ben.org.uk/business.”
Sign up to receive tips, advice and tools at www.ben.org.uk/signup and, for online mental health support, visit www.ben.org.uk/mentalhealth.
-
Automotive industry charity, Ben, is turning up the heat for this year’s Industry Leader Challenge (ILC) which will see a group of senior leaders tackling the Sahara Desert in November.
Up to 10 teams of two will spend five days trekking across the Sahara Desert in Morocco to raise a minimum of £20,000 per team for Ben. Participants will spend up to 10 hours a day trekking across unforgiving terrain, covering up to 27km a day in the punishing heat. Daytime temperatures will be 25-35°C and closer to zero at night with no shade except during meal stops and overnight.
Previous ILC adventures have included swimming across the English Channel, skydiving, cycling down the Thames and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This year's event is just as epic, presenting a different set of challenges to overcome – heat, sand and the harsh conditions of the world's largest desert. Participants will find themselves camping under canvas, with only a small team, a jeep and a camel for company.
So far, teams from the Retail Motor Industry Federation, the Independent Garage Association and LKQ ECP have signed up to take on the Sahara. From those organisations, Stuart James, Director of RMIF; Rob Collison, Chairman of the IGA and Kevin Finn, Chair of RMIF and IMI, are confirmed as taking part.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income, said: "If you're serious about doing something incredible while making a real difference to people's lives, this year’s Industry Leader Challenge is the perfect opportunity. As with all ILC events, the primary focus is on raising funds to support people in the automotive industry who are facing challenges beyond their control.
“We encourage anyone up for the challenge to reach out and join us in this once-in-a-lifetime experience while raising money to support those in the industry who are struggling or in crisis. Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben – and we need you and your support.”
Participants must have a good level of fitness to endure five consecutive days of trekking the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert in scorching temperatures. There are limited spaces available so, for more information about the event, or to register your interest, please contact Matt Wigginton at [email protected].
The ILC is an epic personal challenge taken on each year by an automotive industry leader (or leaders) to fundraise for Ben. The ILC requires extraordinary personal endeavour that tests the challenger(s) either mentally or physically - or both. After completing a challenge of their choice (either with a team or alone), the challenger then hands the baton over to another industry leader for the following year.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
-
- Ben Ball 2024 to take place on 11th December at Old Billingsgate Market
- Tickets on sale now and sponsorship opportunities available
- Raising funds to support those who are struggling or in crisis
Automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched ticket sales for Ben Ball which will take place at Old Billingsgate Market on 11th December and has a new theme for 2024. Those working in the automotive industry are now officially invited to celebrate Christmas with their friends and colleagues at Ben Ball 2024, supported by Auto Trader.
This year, the event will embrace the era of the roaring ’20s, so guests will experience a night of glitz, glamour, vintage charm and timeless elegance. It’s set to be another amazing night of celebration, awe-inspiring entertainment, networking opportunities and fantastic food.
Ben Ball 2023 was a sell-out with just under 500 automotive industry figures in attendance, so Ben is encouraging the automotive community to book now to avoid missing out on this annual black tie event…
Book tickets now!
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We’re inviting our automotive family to join us at Ben Ball 2024 which is set to be another fantastic evening of celebration and entertainment. This year, we’re excited to be stepping back into the iconic era of the 1920s so you can expect a night to remember, full of style and sophistication.
“We continue to support a record number of automotive people due to the cost-of-living crisis which is having a big impact on their health and wellbeing. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event as it brings in vital donations to change lives and support those who are struggling, while also enabling us to recognise those who have helped us achieve so much during the year. We can’t wait to welcome you to Old Billingsgate Market again this December for the flagship automotive event of the year!”
Ian Plummer, Auto Trader’s Commercial Director, commented: “Once again it’s a huge privilege to be sponsoring the Ball, which not only raises critical funds for those who are most in need of help, but also drives awareness of the incredible work Ben does day in day out. It’s humbling to see so many businesses and individuals from across the industry come together every year, to dig deep, and to support such a vital charity which provides invaluable services to so many of our industry colleagues and friends. The cost-of-living crisis means more people than ever are relying on Ben, so support from across the industry needs to grow even further to match the increased demand. I have no doubt that 2024 will be another huge success.”
To book your tickets now or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
-
Inspired by popular TV series 'Race Across the World', Ben’s epic new fundraising challenge has raised over £100,000 so far for the automotive industry charity to support those struggling or in crisis. This fundraising total includes offline donations and Ben is now calling for final donations.
Race Across Britain is raising vital funds for Ben to support people who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and was proudly supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts. This fundraising activity is particularly crucial as Ben is supporting a record number of people due to the cost-of-living crisis.
From 26th to 28th February, 27 teams of two from LKQ Euro Car Parts; Alliance Automotive Group; Group 1 Automotive; Vendi Limited; ClickMechanic Ltd; Automotion Events Ltd/Lawgistics; eStar Truck and Van Ltd; Hella Ltd; Messe Frankfurt UK Ltd; Compact Car Centre Ltd; Walsall Wood Tyre & Service; Autotech Recruit Ltd; Rhino Group and GSF Car Parts Ltd showed incredible determination, ingenuity and resolve to complete this challenging event. They travelled from the starting point, LKQ Academy in Tamworth, to six different checkpoints including some major landmarks, Angel of the North, Blackpool North Pier and The London Eye.
Congratulations to the joint winners who finished first, from LKQ Euro Car Parts: ‘The Mavericks’, Tony Shearer and Andy Southby, and ‘Skint Sprint Squad’, Chris O’Rourke and Melanie Lowe.
There were strict rules such as no smart phones, no planes and no plans so participants were tested to the max, covering around 1,300 miles using only public transport or by walking, running and cycling. They also had a strict budget to cover food, travel and accommodation and checkpoints were kept secret until just before they needed to leave so they couldn’t plan or pre-book.
One team got an overnight bus from Blackpool to the London Eye and there were different tasks to complete including VR car spraying at LKQ Tamworth and finding Ben Bears hidden at LKQ Glasgow.
Donate & register interest
You can donate to show your support and register interest for potential future events.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income said: “We’ve been blown away by the success of this event and it was frenetic, exciting, challenging and so much fun! Our participants did incredibly well to complete the challenge and huge congratulations to our two winning teams from LKQ Euro Car Parts who made it to the finish line first, you’re amazing!
“The automotive industry loves some healthy competition, so this was a great way to get together and have fun while also supporting your dedicated industry charity. Fundraising events like this are particularly crucial during a time when Ben is supporting more people than ever due to the cost-of-living crisis.
“Thanks so much to everyone who has taken part and donated to the challenge - we’re now calling for final donations. Donating to Race Across Britain will make a positive difference to people's lives and help those who are struggling, or in crisis, so please donate whatever you can."
Kevan Wooden, Group Chief Executive Officer at LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “It’s been remarkable to see so many colleagues from across the industry come together like this. Both customers and competitors alike have had fun, but more importantly, raised crucial funds for the vital work Ben does. I couldn’t be prouder. See you next year!?”
Whenever any member of our automotive family is struggling, or in crisis, we all rally to support.
-
An inclusive workplace welcomes and includes every employee. It ensures that employees feel accepted within the team they work in, across the wider organisation (as applicable) and supports them to thrive doing the work they perform.
In addition, an inclusive workforce is an environment that respects and values the unique traits of all employees and means that each employee can bring their authentic self to work.
Here are my top tips for developing an inclusive workplace:
Start at the top!
Like all workplace initiatives, engagement at a senior level is paramount. Senior leaders should understand and be able to define what being inclusive means and live by this day to day. Without this, developing an inclusive workplace just won’t happen.
In addition to this, senior leaders need to give some of themselves to their workforce and be authentic, as this will help others do the same. This isn’t always easy when you feel you need to keep everything private so as not to blur professional boundaries, but you can still strike a balance. By bringing your whole self to work and sharing the things in life you place value on, you will better connect with your workforce and show others that it’s safe for them to do the same.
Embed it into the organisation
Embedding inclusion into any organisation starts by considering it your mission and vision and ensuring it features in your organisation’s values and ambitions. To truly embed any initiative into an organisation not only requires robust policies and procedures but also ensures that inclusion is considered at every touch point in the employee life cycle. This is from attraction, during the recruitment process through to onboarding, induction, performance management, employee engagement and even when someone leaves the organisation.
Like all initiatives, it’s unlikely to stand the test of time without investment in awareness and engagement. This is why embedding training and development specifically to maintain an inclusive culture should be a continuous focus from induction and throughout an employee’s length of service.
Embrace diversity
Inclusivity is often considered to be the next step in supporting a diverse workforce so creating and embracing a diverse workforce is a great starting point for any organisation. Given that diversity is the collective mix of employee differences and similarities which, outside of any protected characteristics, even includes individual characteristics, values, beliefs, experience, backgrounds, preferences, and behaviours. On this basis, no matter where an organisation’s starting point is, every organisation has diversity in their workforce now. Understanding your workforce and getting to know your people is key to opening up an inclusive culture.
Think ‘employee experience’
Traditionally, organisations talk about employee engagement, referring to the strength of mental and emotional connection that employees feel towards the work they do, their teams and their organisation. Having a stronger focus on employee experience will not only enhance employee engagement but it also fosters a sense of belonging and community. This requires an organisation, its leaders, and managers to really think about the physical and psychological environment people work in. This includes the facilities and signage provided and used on-site; the way communication is managed and shared; language being adopted by everyone; celebrating a range of diverse events; awareness campaigns and dates in the calendar.
The employee experience also includes encouraging openness; welcoming and pro-actively seeking people’s thoughts, feedback and ideas; helping them build personal skills or introducing the right forums for those who may not be able to do this, to really enable a contribution by all. Ultimately, if everyone working for an organisation is more mindful of the employee experience it will enhance what it feels like to work there. The employee experience is everyone’s responsibility, not just senior leaders or managers.
Keep inclusion moving
Inclusion can’t be static; it needs to keep moving, evolve and continually develop over time. An organisation needs to stay closely connected to its workforce to ensure it continues to move with it. It’s key to make inclusion an intentional habit for everyone, meaning that employees are reminded of this on a frequent basis and it becomes part of the organisation’s DNA. Finding the best way to quantify and measure inclusion as an organisation is also a critical success factor.
To find out more about how Ben can support your organisation and the health and wellbeing of your employees, contact Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben: [email protected].
|
