The moving and auto relocation industry is characterized by the fact that no two days are alike and the unexpected is always around the corner. This unpredictability, and the pressure of ensuring safe and timely moves, can lead to heightened stress levels for professionals employed by companies in this sector. It’s here that the significance of mental wellness practices becomes evident.

When left unchecked, stress and mental exhaustion can impair cognitive functions, decision-making abilities and overall performance. With busy work days and personal responsibilities, mental wellness often gets sidelined.

While feeling stressed at work may be a normal reaction, high levels of anxiety are concerning. The American Psychiatric Association reports that anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. And, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, yet only half of them receive treatment.

There are compelling reasons to address mental health from an employer’s perspective:

Enhanced productivity: Employees with good mental health are generally more focused, efficient and productive.

Reduced absenteeism: Mental health support can decrease stress-related absences, ensuring continuity in operations.

Employee retention: A supportive work environment can enhance job satisfaction and loyalty, reducing turnover.

Positive work culture: Prioritizing mental health fosters a culture of care and support, which can improve team dynamics and morale.

Compliance and reputation: Adhering to mental health regulations and demonstrating corporate responsibility can enhance a company’s reputation.

At Montway Auto Transport, we prioritize mental health benefits and motivate our employees to start or continue their wellness journeys. Here are some of the ways we support the well-being of our team:

Movement challenges: To build camaraderie and leverage our staff’s competitive nature, we hold a variety of wellness challenges. Employees from across the country participated in our Spring Step Challenge where we awarded cash prizes to the top three performers.

As a partner of Move For Hunger, we’re proud to sponsor this year’s Move 2 Fight Hunger challenge. Montway is an energetic organization and our employees will be tracking various activities such as running, dancing, gardening and walking their dogs. With the goal of supporting communities in need, motivation will be high.

Wellness partners: After surveying employees on what wellness benefits are important to them, we added Zeamo to our package. Zeamo offers discounted gym memberships along with free online yoga, on-demand workouts, HIIT classes and other options. Zeamo also partners with our medical provider to offer free consultations with nutritionists.

In addition, our Blue 365 program provides discounted gym memberships, smart health tracker device discounts, exercise equipment discounts and many other perks.

While advocating and engaging our employees in general wellness helps support mental health, Montway also provides a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The program offers round-the-clock unlimited phone support, web-based services and in-person sessions for those who may find themselves in need of help. Our company highlights mental health in our monthly newsletter by providing guides on using the EAP and details about the services it includes.

Today, more companies in the relocation management industry recognize the importance of mental health and are actively supporting their employees. According to the 2024 Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report from Wellable, 91% of respondents reported increased funding for mental health initiatives, making it the highest area of investment.

Additionally, there’s a growing shift towards customizable wellness benefits This includes Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs), coverage for weight management programs, Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) and other screenings, as well as disease management programs.

Taking advantage of company benefits and adopting wellness practices positively impacts professional life. Improved mental health leads to enhanced decision-making capabilities, better time management and increased efficiency—critical factors in the success of moving operations. Furthermore, fostering a workplace culture that values mental wellness can improve employee retention, reduce absenteeism, and enhance team dynamics.

As the industry evolves, emphasis on mental wellness will pave the way for a healthier, more productive workforce.