Better technology tops transport managers’ mental health priorities
Better technology could do more to improve mental health among UK transport and logistics managers than higher pay or shorter working days, according to new research from transport technology specialist Microlise.
The findings come ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, which raises awareness of mental health issues and encourages action to support wellbeing. The research highlights the pressures facing transport managers and the practical changes they believe could improve their working lives.
Microlise’s second annual report, Navigating UK Transport and Logistics in 2026 and Beyond, surveyed 250 UK transport and logistics managers. One in five respondents (20%) identified better technology as the single change that would most improve their mental health.
More time for rest and recovery between shifts ranked second, selected by 18% of respondents. Increased pay and a fairer distribution of responsibilities across team members each received 13% of the responses. Meanwhile, one in ten managers (10%) said shorter working days would make the greatest difference.
Technology and transport manager wellbeing
The findings suggest that transport managers see technology as an important way to reduce the pressures of their roles. They must balance increasingly complex operational demands while keeping vehicles moving and meeting customer expectations.
Their responsibilities often span driver and vehicle compliance, route planning, load management, maintenance schedules and cost control. They must also respond to unexpected disruptions, manage competing priorities and ensure their teams meet operational deadlines.
These demands can create sustained pressure, particularly when managers rely on manual processes or struggle to access accurate, timely information.
Fleet management technology can help address some of these challenges. Digital systems can automate routine tasks, improve visibility across fleet operations and reduce the time managers spend gathering information.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can also support route and load optimisation, maintenance planning and the analysis of vehicle and driver data. These capabilities can help teams identify potential problems earlier and make decisions more quickly.
For fleet operators, the potential benefits extend beyond operational efficiency. Reducing repetitive tasks and improving access to information could also give managers more time to focus on people, planning and other important responsibilities.
However, technology alone cannot resolve every workplace pressure. Employers must also consider staffing levels, workloads, working hours and opportunities for rest and recovery.
Administrative work adds to the pressure
Microlise’s research highlights the time and cost associated with manual administration. Transport managers estimate that manually processing proof-of-delivery documentation takes more than two hours of working time.
The report puts the associated cost at £172.40 per day. This illustrates how administrative processes can consume valuable management time and add to the demands of running a transport operation.
Digital proof-of-delivery systems can help reduce paperwork and make information easier to access. They can also improve the flow of information between drivers, transport offices and customers.
Yet the wider findings suggest that managers need support across several areas. Nine per cent of respondents selected better facilities and support while out on the road as their top priority. Another 9% wanted greater visibility and clarity around daily tasks and expectations.
Less manual paperwork through digital tools was the main priority for 4% of respondents. A further 4% said they would benefit most from greater freedom to improve company processes.
Although these options attracted smaller shares of responses, they highlight the variety of factors that can influence workplace wellbeing.
World Mental Health Day highlights workplace wellbeing
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. The World Federation for Mental Health established the day in 1992 to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage support for people experiencing them.
The annual event provides an opportunity for employers, organisations and individuals to discuss mental health more openly. It also encourages practical action to improve access to support and create healthier working environments.
For the transport and logistics sector, workplace wellbeing deserves particular attention. Operational responsibilities, tight deadlines and the need to maintain service levels can make it difficult for managers to step away from their duties.
Employers can help by reviewing workloads, encouraging regular breaks and ensuring staff know where to find support. Clear responsibilities, realistic expectations and effective communication can also reduce unnecessary stress.
The Microlise findings offer an insight into what transport managers themselves consider most useful. While better technology topped the survey, the results also point to the importance of recovery time, fair workloads and appropriate support.
Microlise calls for practical action
Nadeem Raza, CEO of Microlise, said the results showed the potential value of giving managers better tools to carry out their work.
“What stands out from these findings is that better technology ranked above increased pay and shorter working days. Giving transport managers the right tools can help reduce some of the day-to-day pressures of running an increasingly complex operation, freeing up time and making workloads more manageable.
“As World Mental Health Day approaches, operators should consider the practical changes they can make to better support the people responsible for keeping their fleets moving. Technology isn’t the whole answer, but it can play an important role in improving their working lives.”
For fleet operators, the message is that mental health support should form part of wider workforce and operational planning. Investing in technology may help reduce administrative burdens, but employers should also examine working practices and the demands placed on their teams.
As the sector continues to manage operational complexity and changing customer expectations, supporting transport managers will remain important. A combination of suitable technology, manageable workloads and time to recover could help create healthier working environments while supporting day-to-day fleet performance.
