Resilience in railway workers: Exploring what has challenged and protected railway keyworker's mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Railway workers are reportedly at risk of developing traumatic stress-related conditions, yet little is known about the effects of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of railway workers. The study consisted of a cross-sectional online survey exploring the effects of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of railway workers (n=906) in the UK. The aim was to explore whether protective factors (adaptive resilience, team resilience and help-seeking intentions) mediated the relationship between COVID-19 risk factors (stress, risk perception and burnout) and railway workers’ mental wellbeing. Responses to psychometrically valid measures were analysed using multiple regression and parallel mediation analyses. Free text data exploring railway workers’ views on the impact of COVID-19 on their mental wellbeing, were analysed using content analysis. Protective factors significantly mediated the relationship between mental wellbeing and COVID-19 risk factors. Railway workers reported that they experienced mental health decline throughout the pandemic, loss of workplace supports, increased need for psychological support, and concerns for the future. Work-based supports and access to psychological input for railway workers who need it is highlighted. Building a resilient railway workforce moving forward requires attention to staff mental wellbeing and to ensuring that support systems are robust, safe and accessible.