For years, most transportation directors were mainly
concerned with drivers passing their annual depart- ment of transportation physical, physical performance tests where required, and random drug screenings. However, as more awareness of rising mental health issues come to light, a more holistic approach to keep- ing employees fit for work is encouraged. According to a report published in September by
the World Health Organization (WHO), decent work is good for mental health, and there are effective actions to prevent mental health risks at work, promote mental health, and support workers with mental health con- ditions. Globally, approximately 12 billion working days are
lost each year to employees with depression or anxi- ety. The report goes on to say that having good work to do can protect one’s mental health. A job can pro- vide not only a livelihood but also give workers a sense of confidence and achievement, plus an opportunity for relationships and the feeling of being included in a community.
The Good: A Holistic Approach to a More Welcoming Workplace School bus drivers can be an eclectic group, perhaps the most diverse set of people anywhere—at least in public K-12 education—that convene to do the same job. Employees run the gamut: retired professionals,
mothers of school-age children, college students, self-employed individuals who seek the benefits a school district offers, or long-distance truckers who want to stay close to home are just a few examples. These people can have wildly varied backgrounds, interests and educational levels, which, combined with the stress of the job itself may lead to psychoso- cial risks. The WHO states these risks may be related to many things, including excessive workloads, understaffing, poor physical working conditions, harassment or bullying, and violence. For school bus drivers, some of these risks may come from students, parents and other motorists, not just co-workers. The WHO suggests preventing mental health risks
by implementing frameworks to deal with violence and harassment. Strategies for protecting and promot- ing mental health include manager training for the purpose of recognizing and responding to employees who seem distressed, and training workers in mental health literacy and awareness. In our world, these skills might prove useful in helping students as well. One manager who encourages communication and teamwork with his 15 drivers is Clyde Pearson of Ignacio Joint School District 11 in southwest Colorado. “I went to school here, and I was a mechanic for five years before becoming transportation manager,” he shared. “There were three different groups of drivers who didn’t mingle very much with each other. Being
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