Covid-19 pandemic as a factor increasing truck drivers’ stress

Purpose: The questionnaire-based study investigated whether the COVID-19 pandemic increased stress in busy truck drivers' jobs. Design/methodology/approach: The sample of 239 drivers was examined in March-August, 2021. Findings: The study revealed that most drivers were resilient to COVID-19-related stressors. Some stressors, such as age, seniority, recovering from COVID-19, and worsening family financial conditions, were found to have more impact on some respondents than others. Age and seniority were related to anxiety about increased occupational activities. Those whose economic conditions worsened were afraid of job loss. People who recovered from COVID-19 felt overworked more often than others and tended to be scared of safety on the road and being alone in the truck. They more often required psychological support. Research limitations/implications: The study is based on a sample of drivers observed conveniently in 2021. Monitoring them in two or three waves is recommended to compare the impact of other processes that could affect responses. Practical implications: The outcomes are valuable in practice twofold. Firstly, the knowledge is acquired directly from the drivers who proved to be pretty resilient to COVID-related issues; however, some were more sensitive than others. That means the drivers as an occupational group cannot be considered uniform. Some needed psychological support, and such cases should be identified at the enterprise level. Secondly, the results show that COVID-related stressors with other accompanying issues increase the impact on drivers’ health. Originality/value: The empirical results revealed the most significant stressors. They were justified by using several stress definitions and psychological theories, particularly the Conservation of Resources Theory. They can be considered in the drivers' management process.