Bus drivers revealed as most thanked workers in the UK

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 of 2,000 passengers and 1,158 bus and coach drivers also found four-fifths of Brits thank their driver, with nine in ten drivers saying a thank you positively affects their wellbeing.

Those in the Midlands and East of England are the most likely to express their gratitude followed by those in the North East and West and North Yorkshire. Whilst Londoners were the least likely to thank their driver.

The revelation comes as feeling unappreciated is revealed as one of the biggest gripes for UK workers (22%), second only to salary (26%).

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The research commissioned by the Confederation of Passenger Transport found that over half of UK workers wished 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 logistics 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.

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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.

Vidler added: “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 said: “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 or if you are in Wales or the South West cheersdrive.org