TRADESPEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO OPEN UP TO AI THAN THEIR OWN COLLEAGUES

  Posted by: electime      8th May 2026

Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17th May), new research reveals Britain’s tradespeople are suffering a crisis of silence, and are now more likely to confide in AI than their own colleagues.

A nationwide survey of 2,000 Brits, conducted by leading online new van retailer, Vanaways, has found that one in ten (9%) tradespeople are more likely to turn to tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for mental health support than their own workmates (7%).

The findings highlight a widespread silence among tradespeople. Over half (51%) lack the confidence to discuss their mental health, while 22% actively avoid opening up altogether.

A further one in nine (11%) would rather not speak to anyone at all about their problems.

Isolation is fuelling the crisis. Tradies spend 4.2 hours of their working day alone, equivalent to 142 days spent in complete isolation, based on an average of 254 working days per year.

For over one in six (17%), the loneliness is constant, working alone every day.

With 39% of the tradies starting work before 6 am and nearly a quarter (23%) of workers surviving on just 4-5 hours of rest, the combination of limited sleep and long periods alone can lead to exhaustion and poor mental health.

The findings point to a barrier around openness, with over two-fifths (43%) saying they find it easier to talk to someone they don’t know, preferring anonymity.

Interestingly, it’s Gen-Z who struggle to open up, with 55% citing they’d prefer to be vulnerable with a stranger than someone close to them.

When tradespeople do open up, they rely on familiar support systems such as partners (41%) and friends (37%).

Who supports tradespeople with mental health problemsPercentage (%)

Adam Carter, Director at Vanaways, said: “The fact that tradespeople feel more comfortable opening up to AI than a work colleague speaks volumes on the stigma of vulnerability in the industry.

“Early starts, long days, and the pressure of the job can lead to a worrying decline in mental health.

“Whether you’re a seasoned tradie or new to the job, we hope that by shining a light on this issue, we can help remove stigma and encourage tradespeople to speak up. These conversations should be as normal as talking about sports or the weather.”