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DAF Trucks dealership group, Motus Commercials, is leading the transport industry with a focus on mental health wellbeing and awareness throughout its organisation. Since the beginning of 2021, the business has invested some £35,000 in both the training and counselling of employees, including the appointment of ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ across 30 of its sites.
Motus Commercials Head of HR, Emma Murdock, explained, “The rigours of our industry are no secret, and we have always put staff health and safety at the forefront of our agenda. We are now expanding this to include a commitment to the mental health of our teams. We believe in a workplace where everyone can be themselves, and thrive too.”
The commitment has included 70 managers completing a Mental Health Awareness programme, four managers completing a 12-week counselling course and three completing a CBT course.
Motus Commercials has now appointed ‘People Champions’ in the shape of Mental Health First Aiders at 30 sites. Their role is to destigmatise mental health and encourage colleagues to open up - providing a point of contact for anyone with concerns around their mental health. First Aiders support colleagues through meaningful conversations and by directing them to professional help if required.
This activity has been complemented during the year by events encouraging everyone in the business to take a step away from their work for a ‘cuppa and a chat’ with a fellow colleague. Team members are also encouraged to get outdoors and take gentle exercise, to understand their own self-esteem and improve it where needed, and to raise awareness around anxiety and learn to tackle anxious thoughts.
Emma Murdock continues, “Our business HR mission is to drive an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all colleagues and thereby delivers an enhanced experience that also improves business performance. Some parts of our industry have been behind the curve with this type of thinking. For us though, it is not about being one of the first in our sector to introduce these measures, but about driving change within the transport industry as a whole."
Matthew Lawrenson, Motus Commercials Managing Director, concludes, “We are the largest independent commercial dealer group in the UK, with around 1500 colleagues across 32 dealerships nationwide. The well-being of our colleagues is important to us, and we are committed to supporting them all by implementing these industry-leading initiatives. They have been on the frontline during the pandemic, working harder than ever to keep trucks on the road at a time of even greater importance than usual to the country.”
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