APPENDIX
Research Questions and Results
Interview Question Guide
Welcome & Consent (Minute 0:00 to 0:05 of Interview)
Section 1: Introductions (Minute 0:05 to 0:10 of Interview)
Participants introduce themselves, stating their name, role, and department.
Section 2: Introductory Questions and Root Causes (Minute 0:10 to 0:40 of Interview)
- At your agency, who or what occupations do you consider a “frontline transit worker”? Could you describe the typical frontline worker in terms of age, education, and background?
- What do you think contributes to or causes mental health problems among frontline transit
- Please note if challenges vary based on the type of frontline worker.
- There are many factors that are well-documented, and these include the list below:
- Assaults and confrontations.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder from passenger events such as person under train (PUT) and suicide.
- Split shifts and inconsistent work schedules contributing to poor nutrition and lack of sleep.
- Extended periods of sitting/inactivity.
- Lack of time for exercise.
- Lack of bathroom access.
- Other internal factors/stressors (those factors or stressors which are controlled by work environment).
- Other external factors/stressors (those factors or stressors which are outside of the work environment).
- There are many factors that are well-documented, and these include the list below:
- What are the biggest barriers your agency faces when it comes to recruitment and retention of frontline transit workers?
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected mental health and overall well-being of frontline transit workers? What adverse conditions have been specific to the pandemic?
Section 3: Current Practice (Minute 0:40 to 0:55 of Interview)
- Does your agency offer any specific mental health services programs to frontline workers?
- What systems are in place to engage workers and unions in health-related decision-making (e.g., worker surveys, wellness committees, labor-management committees, mental health training, critical incident response training, etc.)?
- How is technology used to promote mental health assessment, referral, and/or treatment at your agency?
- Does your agency have an example of an effective, successful practice that addresses the mental health, well-being, and/or overall resilience of employees that you would like to share with the group?
- How does your agency define “success,” and what makes this practice successful?
- How did you help make this practice/program/resource attractive to your frontline workers?
- What metrics, if any, do you use to track progress?
- How is the practice structured, administered, and reevaluated?
- What is required to make the practice run (e.g., staff hours, facilities, external assistance, etc.)?
- Do you have any lessons learned in the initiation, implementation, and/or ongoing administration of this practice that would be useful to other agencies that may be interested in the practice?
- If your agency is considering developing a practice or program, please explain the decision-making process and what you have learned so far.
Section 4: Addressing Mental Health and Wellness (Minute 0:55 to 0:75 of Interview)
- What types of support could transit agencies be providing to their frontline workers for their mental health and well-being?
- What are the biggest barriers your agency faces in addressing and improving employee mental health, wellness, and resilience? What processes, systems, antiquated technology, and/or cultural aspects are a barrier to mental health treatment and awareness? a. Do you have any ideas about how these barriers may be overcome?
- To what extent does or will your organization have the capacity to implement new strategies in these areas?
- What support or tools do you think transit agencies need to better address mental health, well-being, and resilience of frontline workers?
- What type of resources would be most useful to your agency that could come out of this study? What would you like to see included in the resource manual we develop?
Section 5: Interview Wrap-up (Minute 0:75 to 0:85 of Interview)
- In addition to these management-focused interviews, we would also like to survey frontline workers and hold a frontline worker focus group. Would your agency be willing to participate in facilitating access to frontline workers for either the survey, focus group, or both? If so, who should I follow up with on this request?
- Are there any additional thoughts on this subject?
Frontline Worker Focus Group Question Guide
Group Member Introductions (Minute 0:10 to 0:15 of Focus Group)
Introductions: Now, let’s start by taking a few minutes to introduce ourselves. Please tell us your first name, or pseudonym, if you prefer; what your job is; and how long you have worked at your transit agency.
Questions or comments? What questions do folks have before we get started? [. . .] Now that we all know each other a little better, let’s begin our discussion.
Open-Ended Key Research Questions
(Minute 0:15 to 0:60 of Focus Group)
This section aims to discover and expand upon the key issues of focus, including identifying a) causes of mental health problems, b) available mental health resources and barriers to use, and c) areas for change/solutions.
Defining the problems: The intent of these questions is to understand the nature and causes of mental health problems and the culture of mental health in transit system agencies.
- Nature of problems: What are types of mental health problems that transit workers face? a. Do mental health problems differ based on job type?
-
Causes of mental health problems: What do you think contributes to or causes mental health problems among transit workers?
- What aspects of your job impact your mental health?
- Person Under Train (PUT) incidents/assaults—when, why, preventability.
- Bathroom access.
- Work schedule.
- How is your life outside of work affected?
- How has COVID-19 affected mental health and well-being of transit system workers?
- Protective factors: What protects someone from mental health problems?
- Impact: How does mental health influence your ability to do your job on a day-to-day basis?
- Psych: Do you ever have feelings of hypervigilance, anxiety, fear, low morale, anger, hostility?
- Work: absenteeism, decreased productivity, limited promotions, liability.
- What aspects of your job impact your mental health?
Mitigating the problems: The intent of this section is to understand the existing resources, their use, and barriers to mental health among transit system workers.
-
Culture: What types of conversations do you have around mental health in your workplace?
- Messaging: What kind of messages have you gotten from your supervisor or agency about mental health?
- Stigma: What sort of concerns do you or your coworkers have around talking about or disclosing mental health problems?
- Reporting: How do workplace issues and/or mental health concerns or complaints get handled at your agency?
- Who do you report those issues to? (direct manager, HR, union rep, unknown)
- What happens after reporting?
-
Resources:
- What sorts of mental health resources or programs are you aware of that are available to you at your agency?
- Type: Screening, prevention, treatment, in house, external?
- Source: How did you learn about the mental health resources that were available to you?
- COVID-19: What mental health resources have been established in response to COVID-19, if any?
- What has your experience been with these programs, or what have you learned from others who have used these programs?
- What sorts of mental health resources or programs are you aware of that are available to you at your agency?
-
Barriers: What are the barriers to accessing or using mental health resources or services?
- Psych: Privacy, stigma, fatigue, overwhelmed, lack of awareness about process/procedures.
- System: Low managerial support, paperwork/logistics, organization practices.
Solutions: The intent of this section is to elicit workers’ ideas on how to change systems or create new/revised programs to improve the mental health and well-being of workers.
The final topic we want to discuss with you today is your ideas on the types of supports and resources that would be helpful in supporting the mental health of frontline workers. Please know we will review and consider the suggestions you share to help us frame the guide that will be produced at the end of this study. We cannot guarantee, however, that your agency will implement these ideas. (But we can hope!)
- What ideas do you have about how to improve the mental health experience of frontline workers?
- Resources: What resources are needed to make changes?
- What changes would you like to see in your agency to better support your mental health and the mental health of your fellow workers?
- Resources: What resources are needed to make changes?
- What sorts of mental health programs would you like to have in your agency?
- Resources: What resources are needed to make changes, e.g., Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or Union Assistance Programs (UAPs)?
Conclusions: Thinking back on everything we talked about today related to mental health in your workplace, is there anything we didn’t discuss that you feel is important to share with the group?
Thank you all so much for your time and insights today. We really appreciate you sharing your experiences and thoughts with us. Jot down any final suggestions/recommendations on how your workplace can improve mental health.
Survey Questionnaire
Survey Consent
Your employer and union have been invited to participate in a research study being conducted by Rutgers University and Foursquare ITP. The research team is seeking to learn more about your work environment as it relates to your mental health and well-being. This survey should take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
This research is confidential. Your employer will not be notified if you complete the survey. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary. You may skip any questions you are not comfortable answering. If at any time you wish to stop participating, you are free to do so with no penalty to you.
Up to 6,000 persons may complete this survey. If a report of this study is published, or the results are presented at a professional conference, only group results will be stated. No individual responses will be stated. Any information that could identify you will be kept for the shortest time possible on a secure server and available only to the research team and the Institutional Review Board at Rutgers University. After information that could identify you has been removed, de-identified responses may be used by or distributed to investigators for other research without obtaining additional informed consent from you.
Breach of confidentiality is a risk, but a data security plan is in place to minimize such a risk, with all survey responses to be stored on a password-protected server location maintained by Rutgers University. There are no direct benefits to participation, however, the information you share in completing the survey will help the research team develop strategies to support the mental health and well-being of transit agency frontline workers nationwide.
If you have any questions at any time about the research or procedures, or if you need assistance in completing the survey, you may contact the study principal investigator.
YES, I consent to take the survey
NO, I do not consent to take the survey
-
Do you interact directly with the public as part of your job?
- Yes
- No → END SURVEY
-
How many years have you worked in the transit industry?
- _____ (# of years)
-
Which position best describes your job at your agency?
- Bus operator
- Rail operator
- On-demand or paratransit operator
- Other type of operator
- Supervisor of operators
- Station attendant
- Field maintenance worker or cleaning crew
- Dispatcher or control center worker
- Mechanic
- Transit police
- Customer Service Representative or Call Center Worker
- Office worker, planner, scheduler, or administer (no interaction with the public) END SURVEY
- Other (please specify)
-
Are you a member of a workers’ union, or are you represented by a workers’ union?
- Yes
- No
- Unsure
4a. [IF YES TO #4] Do you have access to a Union Assistance Program (UAP)?
-
- Yes
- No
- Unsure
WORKPLACE CONDITIONS/SAFETY
-
On a 0-10 scale, what level of stress do you typically feel in your work environment?
- 0 (not at all) - 10 (extremely)
-
Is your agency currently understaffed?
- Yes
- No
- Tell us which the following you have experienced while at work (select all that apply):
□ | I was injured severely enough to require medical treatment | ||
□ | I was verbally or physically threatened or saw someone else be verbally or physically threatened | ||
□ | I was physically assaulted or saw someone else be physically assaulted | ||
□ | I witnessed an incident involving the death of a coworker or customer(s) on the job | ||
□ | I witnessed an incident involving suicide or attempted suicide at work (e.g. Person Under Train or bus) | ||
□ | I am often required to work hours/shifts that I do not want to work | ||
□ | I have limited restroom access while on the job | ||
□ | I am unable to take off work when I want to or need to take off | ||
□ | I am often working in an overcrowded environment | ||
□ | I am frequently required to work in poor weather conditions | ||
□ | I have been spat on one or more times while on the job | ||
□ | I have been exposed to people using alcohol or drugs (e.g., smoking or intoxicated near me) while on the job | ||
□ | I have not experienced any of these |
MENTAL HEALTH
- Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
PHQ-4 | Not at all | Several days | Most than half of the days | Nearly every day |
---|---|---|---|---|
a. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
b. Not being able to stop or control worrying | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
c. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
d. Little interest or pleasure in doing things | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
9. Does your agency offer any mental health resources or programs to employees? | Yes | No | Unsure |
If Yes to 9: 9a. Have you ever used the mental health resources or programs available to you at your agency? |
Yes | No | |
9b. Have you ever tried to access the mental health resources or programs available to you BUT were unable to? | Yes | No | |
If No to 9: 10c. Would you consider using mental health resources or programs if they were available to you at your agency? |
Yes | No |
- How satisfied are you with the current mental health resources available to you at your agency? 0 (not at all) - 10 (extremely)
BARRIERS TO SERVICE USE
11. Please indicate which reasons from this list could influence your decision whether or not to seek mental health support through your employer (select all that apply): | |
□ | I am unsure how to access services or if they are available |
□ | I am unsure if I need help or not |
□ | I lack the time to seek help/support |
□ | I lack the support or compassion from my manager |
□ | I am intimidated by peers or stigmatized for needing support |
□ | There is too much paperwork required |
□ | I am too tired/exhausted |
□ | I am concerned about missed pay |
□ | My family is unsupportive of me seeking help |
□ | I have privacy concerns (e.g., my employer will know that I sought help) |
□ | Availability of insurance coverage for services and cost are a deterrent to seeking help |
□ | The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Union Assistance Program (UAP) is too limited/restricted |
□ | I am unsatisfied with the resources available to me through my employer |
□ | Other (please specify) _______________________________________________________________ |
□ | None of these reasons |
SOLUTIONS
These final few questions ask for your input on how we can improve the mental health and well-being of transit workers.
-
How would you prefer to participate in mental health support or wellness services? (select all that apply)
- Independently/self-guided
- One on one with a mental health professional
- One on one with a trained peer
- Small group with a mental health professional
- Small group with a trained peer
- No preference
-
Would you prefer mental health resources that were available to you … (select all that apply)
- During work hours
- Outside of work hours
- No preference
-
Which of the following ways would you prefer to access mental health support or wellness services? (select all that apply)
- Online/telehealth
- In-person onsite at my agency
- In-person off-site, away from my agency
- No preference
-
What types of mental health programs or wellness services would be most helpful to you if offered through your workplace? (select all that apply)
- Increased access to information about available mental health resources
- Self-guided tools/strategies so I can learn what I can do to support my mental health
- Team building activities/programs at my workplace focused on mental health
- Free mental health screening and referral to programs to support mental health
- On-site mental health services
- Designated staff responder to support operators during and after incidents
- Programs and policies to reduce sources of stress in the workplace
- Other (please specify)
- None of these would be helpful
-
What mental health or wellness trainings, if any, would be helpful if offered by your agency? (select all that apply)
- Training on strategies for handling passengers with mental health or substance use issues
- Training on how to support my own mental health and wellness
- Training on how to communicate with passengers/deescalate problems
- Training for managers on empathy/compassion for frontline workers
- Other (please specify)
- None of these would be helpful
-
What other programs or policies would support your mental health and well-being?
- Free physical health and well-being checkups
- On-site or subsidized childcare and/or eldercare
- Support for pregnant persons or new parents such as lactation facilities, extended leave, or flexible schedules
- Less variable work schedules
- Work schedules with time off during evenings and weekends
- More in-field support from managers, supervisors, and/or dispatch
- Access to restrooms during field work
- Access to healthy foods during field work
- More recovery or break time built into transit timetables
- Better communication or training on policies and procedures
- More time off for mental health/wellness needs
- More time off for physical illness and recovery
- Mentorship programs for new hires
- Education and training programs for career advancement
- Other (please specify)
- I would not be interested in any of these solutions
-
How would you prefer that your agency inform frontline workers of the mental health and wellness resources available to you? (select all that apply)
- Agency website
- Union website
- Mobile app for a smartphone
- Email announcements
- Fliers distributed and posted on-site
- Trainings
- Creation of a resource booklet/pamphlet
- During regular meetings or events
- Other (please specify)
- No preferences
- Please share any other ideas you have about how transit agencies can more fully support the mental health and well-being of transit frontline workers. __________________________________________________________
DEMOGRAPHICS
-
What is your age?
- _______ (# of years)
-
Are you: (chose one only)
- Male or man
- Female or woman
- Non-binary or gender-fluid
- Prefer to self-describe: _______
- Prefer not to answer
-
Are you: (choose one only)
- Black/African American
- White
- Asian or Pacific Islander
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- More than one race
- Other (please specify)
- Prefer not to answer
-
What is your ethnicity?
- Hispanic
- Non-Hispanic
- Prefer not to answer
- What state do you work in: ________
- How many people, including yourself, live in your household? ___ (#)
-
What is your highest educational level?
- Some high school
- High school diploma or GED
- Trade or technical school
- Some college
- Two-year college degree
- Four-year college degree
- Graduate degree (Master’s, PhD, etc.)
-
What is the total number of years of schooling/education you have completed? (For example, if you completed 12th grade and 1 year of college, you would answer 13 years):
- # ______ (continuous)
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey!
(This question will not be linked to prior responses)
We want to learn more from you! The research team will be convening a brief online focus group discussion with frontline transit workers nationwide in the coming months to learn more about strategies to improve your work environment. Are you interested in potentially participating?
- YES
- NO → END SURVEY
Please provide your contact information so we can follow up with you. Your name will not be linked to the survey responses you just provided.
First name: ___________
Phone or email address: ________________
Results Tables
Table A.1. Race.
Race | N | % |
---|---|---|
White | 354 | 45.4 |
Black/African American | 164 | 21.1 |
Asian or Pacific Islander | 18 | 2.3 |
American Indian or Alaska Native | 7 | 0.9 |
More than one race | 40 | 5.1 |
Other | 14 | 1.8 |
Prefer not to answer | 85 | 10.9 |
Missing (no response) | 96 | 12.4 |
Table A.2. Ethnicity.
Ethnicity | N | % |
---|---|---|
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino | 442 | 56.9 |
Hispanic or Latino | 97 | 12.5 |
Prefer not to answer | 135 | 17.4 |
Missing (no response) | 103 | 13.3 |
Table A.3. Gender.
Gender | N | % |
---|---|---|
Male or man | 379 | 48.8 |
Female or woman | 269 | 34.6 |
Non-binary or gender-fluid | 7 | 0.9 |
Prefer to self-describe | 0 | 0.0 |
Prefer not to answer | 34 | 4.4 |
Missing (no response) | 88 | 11.3 |
Table A.4. Educational attainment.
Educational Attainment | N | % |
---|---|---|
Less than HS degree | 7 | 0.9 |
HS degree or GED | 161 | 20.7 |
Technical degree | 52 | 6.7 |
Some college | 205 | 26.4 |
Two-year college degree | 94 | 12.1 |
Four-year college degree | 126 | 16.2 |
Graduate degree | 33 | 4.2 |
Missing (no response) | 99 | 12.7 |
Table A.5. Household size.
Household Size | N | % |
---|---|---|
1 (Live alone) | 118 | 15.2 |
2 | 245 | 31.5 |
3 | 122 | 15.7 |
4 | 112 | 14.4 |
5 | 49 | 6.3 |
6 | 19 | 2.4 |
7 | 10 | 1.3 |
8 | 0 | 0.0 |
9 | 1 | 0.1 |
10 or more | 3 | 0.4 |
Missing (no response) | 98 | 12.6 |
Table A.6. Transit occupation.
Transit Occupation | N | % |
---|---|---|
Operators | 549 | 70.7 |
Bus | 494 | 63.6 |
Rail | 18 | 2.3 |
On-Demand/Paratransit | 24 | 3.1 |
Other | 13 | 1.7 |
Operator supervisors and trainers | 75 | 9.7 |
Other field worker (mechanic, attendant, dispatch) | 51 | 6.6 |
Safety operations or police | 23 | 3.0 |
Administrative and customer service roles | 62 | 8.0 |
Leadership (managers, directors) | 16 | 2.1 |
Missing (no response) | 1 | 0.1 |
Table A.7. Location of workplace.
Location of Workplace | N | % |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 0 | 0.0 |
Alaska | 0 | 0.0 |
Arizona | 20 | 2.6 |
Arkansas | 0 | 0.0 |
California | 45 | 5.8 |
Colorado | 9 | 1.2 |
Connecticut | 6 | 0.8 |
Delaware | 1 | 0.1 |
District of Columbia | 3 | 0.4 |
Florida | 19 | 2.4 |
Georgia | 40 | 5.1 |
Hawaii | 11 | 1.4 |
Idaho | 0 | 0.0 |
Illinois | 5 | 0.6 |
Indiana | 1 | 0.1 |
Iowa | 2 | 0.3 |
Kansas | 13 | 1.7 |
Kentucky | 4 | 0.5 |
Louisiana | 2 | 0.3 |
Maine | 26 | 3.3 |
Maryland | 6 | 0.8 |
Massachusetts | 3 | 0.4 |
Michigan | 7 | 0.9 |
Minnesota | 29 | 3.7 |
Mississippi | 0 | 0.0 |
Missouri | 0 | 0.0 |
Montana | 14 | 1.8 |
Nebraska | 1 | 0.1 |
Nevada | 5 | 0.6 |
New Hampshire | 0 | 0.0 |
New Jersey | 5 | 0.6 |
New York | 7 | 0.9 |
North Carolina | 65 | 8.4 |
North Dakota | 1 | 0.1 |
Ohio | 14 | 1.8 |
Oklahoma | 1 | 0.1 |
Oregon | 25 | 3.2 |
Pennsylvania | 27 | 3.5 |
Rhode Island | 1 | 0.1 |
South Carolina | 0 | 0.0 |
South Dakota | 5 | 0.6 |
Tennessee | 47 | 6.0 |
Texas | 87 | 11.2 |
Utah | 1 | 0.1 |
Vermont | 0 | 0.0 |
Virginia | 24 | 3.1 |
Washington | 60 | 7.7 |
West Virginia | 0 | 0.0 |
Wisconsin | 39 | 5.0 |
Wyoming | 0 | 0.0 |
Prefer not to answer | 1 | 0.1 |
Missing (no response) | 95 | 12.2 |
Table A.8. Are you a member of a workers’ union, or are you represented by a workers’ union?
N | % | |
No | 266 | 34.2 |
Yes | 497 | 64.0 |
Unsure | 14 | 1.8 |
Missing (no response) | 0 | 0.0 |
Table A.9. Of those in a union (N = 497), do you have access to a union assistance program?
N | % | |
No | 41 | 8.2 |
Yes | 213 | 42.9 |
Unsure | 242 | 48.7 |
Missing (no response) | 1 | 0.2 |
Table A.10. Endorsement of workplace experiences and stressors.
Total Samplea Yes (n, %) |
Operators Onlyb Yes (n, %) |
|
My agency is currently understaffed | 678 (87.3%) | 483 (88.0%) |
I have been exposed to people using alcohol or drugs (e.g., intoxicated near me) while on the job | 537 (69.1%) | 419 (76.3%) |
I was verbally or physically threatened or saw someone else be verbally or physically threatened | 534 (68.7%) | 392 (71.4%) |
I have limited restroom access while on the job | 405 (52.1%) | 365 (66.5%) |
I am frequently required to work in poor weather conditions | 384 (49.4%) | 311 (56.6%) |
I am often required to work hours/shifts that I do not want to work | 305 (39.3%) | 234 (42.6%) |
I am unable to take off work when I want to or need to take off | 266 (34.2%) | 210 (38.3%) |
I was physically assaulted or saw someone else be physically assaulted | 255 (32.8%) | 199 (36.2%) |
I am often working in an overcrowded environment | 187 (24.1%) | 156 (28.4%) |
I have been spat on one or more times while on the job | 180 (23.2%) | 140 (25.5%) |
I witnessed an incident involving the death of a co-worker or customer(s) on the job | 105 (13.5%) | 64 (11.7%) |
I was injured severely enough to require medical treatment | 134 (17.2%) | 107 (19.5%) |
I witnessed an incident involving suicide or attempted suicide at work | 69 (8.9%) | 33 (6.0%) |
I have not experienced any of these | 30 (3.9%) | 15 (2.7%) |
a N = 774 (total sample responses)
b N = 542 (operators only); N=3–8 (0.4%–1.3%) missing data
Table A.11. Regression models examining workplace stressors in relation to key mental health outcomes.
Workplace Stress | Anxiety Severity | Depression Severity | ||||
Beta | p | Beta | p | Beta | p | |
Is your agency currently understaffed? | 0.062 | 0.057 | 0.056 | 0.094 | 0.014 | 0.672 |
I was injured severely enough to require medical treatment. | 0.066 | 0.045 | 0.024 | 0.468 | 0.015 | 0.661 |
I was verbally or physically threatened or saw someone else be verbally or physically threatened. | 0.185 | 0.000 | 0.161 | 0.000 | 0.163 | 0.000 |
I was physically assaulted or saw someone else be physically assaulted. | 0.017 | 0.650 | 0.059 | 0.129 | 0.123 | 0.002 |
I witnessed an incident involving the death of a coworker or customer(s) on the job. | 0.004 | 0.898 | 0.033 | 0.347 | 0.070 | 0.045 |
I witnessed an incident involving suicide or attempted suicide at work (e.g., Person Under Train or Bus). | 0.035 | 0.311 | 0.053 | 0.127 | 0.077 | 0.028 |
I am often required to work hours/shifts that I do not want to work. | 0.126 | 0.000 | 0.157 | 0.000 | 0.119 | 0.001 |
I have limited restroom access while on the job. | 0.003 | 0.942 | 0.069 | 0.063 | 0.045 | 0.235 |
I am unable to take off work when I want to or need to take off. | 0.174 | 0.000 | 0.088 | 0.015 | 0.095 | 0.009 |
I am often working in an overcrowded environment. | 0.096 | 0.007 | 0.134 | 0.000 | 0.141 | 0.000 |
I am frequently required to work in poor weather conditions. | 0.092 | 0.021 | 0.042 | 0.302 | 0.037 | 0.367 |
I have been spat on one or more times while on the job. | 0.061 | 0.094 | 0.053 | 0.150 | -0.004 | 0.905 |
I have been exposed to people using alcohol or drugs (e.g., smoking or intoxicated near me) while on the job. | -0.027 | 0.502 | -0.035 | 0.391 | -0.020 | 0.619 |
Table A.12. Does your agency offer any mental health resources or programs to employees?
N | % | |
No | 69 | 8.9 |
Yes | 461 | 59.3 |
Unsure | 243 | 31.3 |
Missing (no response) | 4 | 0.5 |
Table A.13. Of those with access to resources (N = 461), have you ever used the mental health resources or programs available to you at your agency?
N | % | |
No | 309 | 67.0 |
Yes | 95 | 20.6 |
Tried but were unable to use | 55 | 11.9 |
Missing (no response) | 2 | 0.5 |
Table A.14. Of those with no/unsure access to resources (N = 312), would you consider using mental health resources or programs if they were available at your agency?
N | % | |
No | 89 | 28.5 |
Yes | 220 | 70.5 |
Missing (no response) | 3 | 1.0 |
Table A.15. Reasons for not using services from employer.
Yes (n) | Yes (%) | |
I lack the time to seek help/support | 279 | 35.9 |
I am concerned about missed pay | 260 | 33.2 |
I have privacy concerns (e.g., employer will know that I sought help) | 253 | 32.6 |
I am too tired/exhausted | 245 | 31.5 |
I am unsure how to access services or if they are available | 203 | 26.1 |
I lack the support or compassion from my manager | 169 | 21.8 |
I am unsure if I need help or not | 163 | 21.0 |
Availability of insurance coverage for services and cost are a deterrent to seeking help | 144 | 18.5 |
I am unsatisfied with the resources available to me through my employer | 122 | 15.7 |
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Union Assistance Program (UAP) is too limited/restricted/not satisfactory | 119 | 15.3 |
I am intimidated by peers or stigmatized for needing support | 79 | 10.2 |
There are too many paperwork requirements | 68 | 8.8 |
My family is unsupportive of me seeking help | 15 | 1.9 |
Other reasons | 8 | 1.0 |
None of these reasons | 182 | 23.4 |
Note: N = 738 (total responses); N = 39 (5.0%) missing data.
Table A.16. Format: How would you prefer to participate in mental health support or wellness services?
Yes (n) | Yes (%) | |
One-on-one with a mental health professional | 494 | 63.6 |
Independently/self-guided | 232 | 29.9 |
Small group with a mental health professional | 124 | 16.0 |
One-on-one with a trained peer | 89 | 11.5 |
Small group with a trained peer | 71 | 9.1 |
No preference | 129 | 16.6 |
Note: N = 736 (total responses); N = 41 (5.3%) missing data.
Table A.17. Mode: Which of the following ways would you prefer to access mental health support or wellness services?
Yes (n) | Yes (%) | |
In-person off-site, away from my agency | 429 | 55.2 |
Online/telehealth | 278 | 35.8 |
In-person onsite at my agency | 180 | 23.2 |
No preference | 131 | 16.9 |
Note: N = 730 (total responses); N = 47 (6.0%) missing data.
Table A.18. Timing: Would you prefer mental health resources that were available to you. . .
Yes (n) | Yes (%) | |
During work hours | 300 | 38.6 |
Outside of work hours | 286 | 36.8 |
No preference | 257 | 33.1 |
Note: N = 729 (total responses); N = 48 (6.2%) missing data.
Table A.19. How would you prefer that your agency inform frontline workers of the mental health and wellness resources available to you?
Yes (n) | Yes (%) | |
Email announcements | 405 | 52.1 |
Training | 370 | 47.6 |
Agency website | 363 | 46.7 |
Fliers distributed and posted on-site | 312 | 40.2 |
Mobile app for a smartphone | 303 | 39.0 |
During regular meetings or events | 280 | 36.0 |
Creation of a resource booklet/pamphlet | 264 | 34.0 |
Union website | 222 | 28.6 |
No preference | 52 | 6.7 |
Note: N = 695 (total responses); N = 82 (10.6%) missing data.
Table A.20. What types of mental health programs or wellness services would be most helpful if offered in your workplace?
Yes (n) | Yes (%) | |
Programs and policies to reduce sources of stress in the workplace | 425 | 54.7 |
Free mental health screening and referral to programs to support mental health | 358 | 46.1 |
Increased access to information about available mental health resources | 344 | 44.3 |
Self-guided tools/strategies so I can learn what I can do to support my mental health | 339 | 43.6 |
On-site mental health services | 231 | 28.7 |
Team building activities/programs at my workplace focused on mental health | 228 | 29.3 |
Designated staff responder to support operators during and after incidents | 277 | 35.6 |
None of these would be helpful | 63 | 8.1 |
Note: N = 712 (total responses); N = 65 (8.4%) missing data.
Table A.21. What mental health or wellness training, if any, would be helpful if offered by your agency?
Yes (n) | Yes (%) | |
Training for managers on empathy/compassion for frontline workers* | 490 | 63.1 |
Training on how to support my own mental health and wellness | 468 | 60.2 |
Training on strategies for handling passengers with mental health or substance use issues | 451 | 58.0 |
Training on how to communicate with passengers/deescalate problems | 431 | 55.5 |
None of these would be helpful | 60 | 7.7 |
Note: N = 707 (total responses); N = 70 (9.0%) missing data.
* Many respondents noted that compassion and empathy training should ideally be targeted to everyone in the workforce, not just managers, to ensure that the whole system is trained in communicating with respect and compassion.
Table A.22. What policies would support your mental health and well-being?
Total Samplea Yes (n, %) |
Operators Onlyb Yes (n, %) |
|
More recovery or break time built into transit timetables | 379 (48.8%) | 322 (58.7%) |
Access to restrooms during field work | 346 (44.5%) | 301 (54.8%) |
Access to healthy foods during field work | 350 (45.0%) | 272 (49.5%) |
More time off for mental health/wellness needs | 374 (48.1%) | 266 (48.5%) |
Free physical health and well-being checkups | 381 (49.0%) | 265 (48.3%) |
More in-field support from managers, supervisors, and/or dispatch | 302 (38.9%) | 241 (43.9%) |
Better communication or training on policies and procedures | 327 (42.1%) | 247 (45.0%) |
More time off for physical illness and recovery | 313 (40.3%) | 235 (42.8%) |
Education and training programs for career advancement | 287 (36.9%) | 195 (35.5%) |
Mentorship programs for new hires | 271 (34.9%) | 186 (33.9%) |
Work schedules with time off during evenings and weekends | 239 (30.8%) | 190 (34.6%) |
Less variable work schedules | 220 (28.3%) | 177 (32.3%) |
On-site or subsidized childcare and/or eldercare | 200 (25.7%) | 125 (22.8%) |
Support for pregnant people or new parents, such as lactation facilities, extended leave, or flexible schedules | 129 (16.6%) | 90 (16.4%) |
I would not be interested in any of these solutions | 50 (6.4%) | 32 (5.8%) |
a N = 694 (total sample responses); N = 83 (10.7%) missing data
b N = 549 (operators only); N = 57 (10.6%) missing data
Abbreviations and acronyms used without definitions in TRB publications:
A4A | Airlines for America |
AAAE | American Association of Airport Executives |
AASHO | American Association of State Highway Officials |
AASHTO | American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |
ACI–NA | Airports Council International–North America |
ACRP | Airport Cooperative Research Program |
ADA | Americans with Disabilities Act |
APTA | American Public Transportation Association |
ASCE | American Society of Civil Engineers |
ASME | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
ASTM | American Society for Testing and Materials |
ATA | American Trucking Associations |
CTAA | Community Transportation Association of America |
CTBSSP | Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program |
DHS | Department of Homeland Security |
DOE | Department of Energy |
EPA | Environmental Protection Agency |
FAA | Federal Aviation Administration |
FAST | Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (2015) |
FHWA | Federal Highway Administration |
FMCSA | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration |
FRA | Federal Railroad Administration |
FTA | Federal Transit Administration |
GHSA | Governors Highway Safety Association |
HMCRP | Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program |
IEEE | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
ISTEA | Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 |
ITE | Institute of Transportation Engineers |
MAP-21 | Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (2012) |
NASA | National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
NASAO | National Association of State Aviation Officials |
NCFRP | National Cooperative Freight Research Program |
NCHRP | National Cooperative Highway Research Program |
NHTSA | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
NTSB | National Transportation Safety Board |
PHMSA | Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration |
RITA | Research and Innovative Technology Administration |
SAE | Society of Automotive Engineers |
SAFETEA-LU | Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (2005) |
TCRP | Transit Cooperative Research Program |
TEA-21 | Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (1998) |
TRB | Transportation Research Board |
TSA | Transportation Security Administration |
U.S. DOT | United States Department of Transportation |