Mercedes-Benz vans reveals the uk’s loneliest jobs on national ‘time to talk” day

• Mercedes-Benz Vans reveals the average person goes eight hours a week without a single conversation at work - and spends 12 hours alone, with van drivers among Britain’s loneliest workers
• Almost four in 10 (37%) never check in with a loved one during their working day - while 31% do not spend more than five minutes in another’s company
• It comes as Mercedes-Benz Vans encourages conversations in the workplace - no matter how lonely your job - to mark Time To Talk Day on February 5.
• Iain Forsyth, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK said: “Van drivers are the backbone of our economy, but many spend long hours alone. A single meaningful conversation can have a huge impact on their mental wellbeing.”

London, UK, Feb 5 2026: Mercedes-Benz Vans research today reveals how Britain’s loneliest workers are going more than 13 hours per week without a single conversation with another person.

To mark national Time To Talk day, Mercedes-Benz Vans is encouraging more people to open up in the workplace, as van drivers become one of the most impacted professions from loneliness and mental health issues.

Topping the list of loneliest jobs are farmers and agriculture workers, who spend an average of 13.7 hours alone during a working week. More than one in four (28%) say they feel lonely at work.

This compares to 25% of van drivers - who also spend an average of 13.7 hours alone during the week.

Delivery and long distance drivers reported spending the most time alone - up to 15 hours per week - but only 17% feel lonely at work, having built up a strong network in their profession.

The Opinium research by Mercedes-Benz Vans of 2,000 UK workers reveals that calling or checking in on a loved one and sharing a tea break with a team mate are among the biggest benefits of good mental wellbeing at work.

Yet less than half (43%) are stopping to have a chat during a break with a colleague.

And the days of checking in on your nearest and dearest and the traditional “phone call home” are over. Only 12% of UK workers call their partners once a day from work.

The average person last spoke to their partner on the phone 13 days ago, while one in five (21%) call home once a month or less.

More than half (53%) said they would only call them if they needed something urgently, or in an emergency.

Research also showed that loneliness affected employees working from home (20%) and those based in an office equally (20%), while workers on the move - such as van and delivery drivers - were slightly more affected (25%).

Time to Talk Day 2026 is encouraging people across the UK to start simple, open conversations about mental wellbeing to help break stigma. Led by organisations including Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, the day highlights how small actions, like talking with a friend, colleague or family member, can make a real difference.

As the amount of van drivers has increased amid the rise in e-commerce, the research shows many are feeling the impact of spending long hours at the wheel.

Nearly half (49%) have fewer than five conversations a day, while 46% do not spend more than five minutes per day in one person’s company.

More than one in four (28%) said they experience more anxiety about speaking to other people at work than they did a year ago, as a result of having less social interactions.

Iain Forsyth, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK said: “A single meaningful conversation can have a huge impact on someone’s mental wellbeing, especially if they’re spending long hours at work alone.

“To support Time To Talk day, Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK will be encouraging colleagues to take a break, a walk or reach out to a loved one, friend or colleague to check in.”