Londoners are the least likely to thank the driver when travelling by bus according to a new survey.
The research of 2,000 passengers and 1,158 bus and coach drivers revealed drivers to be the UK’s most thanked workers, receiving a thank you 37 times a
day – five times greater than the national average.
According to the data, four-fifths of bus travelers thank the driver, with this figure dipping to only 70% across London.
Despite this, the research showed that Londoners are most likely to give up their seat for someone in need.
The survey, commissioned by the Confederation of Passenger Transport to mark the launch of its new recruitment campaign, found that as many as four in 10 bus and coach drivers get thanked over 50 times a day; dwarfing other sectors like healthcare and retail where just 1% and 3% of workers are thanked 50 times a day respectively.
The research found that nine in ten drivers believe a thank you positively affects their wellbeing.
The revelation comes as feeling unappreciated was revealed as one of the biggest gripes for UK workers (22%), second only to salary (26%), with half of UK workers wishing they were thanked more for their job.
A quarter reported getting no thanks at all despite 77% saying it is beneficial to their wellbeing. Healthcare, retail, and government workers were the most likely to feel unappreciated in their jobs.
Being appreciated was listed as one of the best things about being a bus or coach driver with over half saying they felt their work was rewarding – according to the research the role offers seven of the top ten things that UK workers value most.
These include meeting lots of different people; working without supervision; working solo; serving the community; being thanked and appreciated; good work life balance; and training opportunities.
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport said: “Our research has shown that being thanked and appreciated is crucial to the wellbeing of the UK’s workers. It’s really pleasing that bus and coach drivers are reporting such a high level of thanks. Many aspects of bus and coach driving are sought after by other UK workers, whether that be not being confined to an office, meeting new people or being your own boss.”
The survey went on to find that one in 10 had fulfilled a childhood dream by becoming a bus driver whilst almost a quarter entered the profession after being made redundant or losing a job. While one in seven said it was to have greater freedom.
It also emerged that nine in 10 adults have the skills to become a bus or coach driver – such as reliability; functioning without supervision; problem solving; remaining calm under pressure; and strong interpersonal skills.
Graham Vidler continued: “Drivers are at the heart of their local communities, helping people access education, healthcare, leisure, and jobs. It is never too late for those feeling unappreciated in their current profession to make the switch to become one of the UK’s most thanked workers. Especially given most bus and coach operators joined after working other jobs and the majority of the UK population has a driving license so could potentially start training right away.”
Dr. Ashley Weinberg, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Salford, commented on the research, saying: “Hopefully we all know that it’s important to share gratitude as a genuine form of exchange with others in our social worlds. For all of us in paid or unpaid work, someone saying ‘thank you’ helps us to feel valued and naturally this is hugely important for our mental well-being.
“It encourages us to feel positive about ourselves, as well us to recognise meaning in what we’re doing at work. Hopefully this inspires us to carry on engaging in efforts to make a positive difference to others.”
To view and apply for available positions in your area as a bus or coach driver
visit the official website: thankyoudriver.org.
