The traditional "bell-to-bell" dealership grind comes with a severe hidden cost. At the 2026 Auto Forum New York, Allan Cooper highlighted the collateral damage that relentless schedules inflict on automotive professionals and their families, urging the industry to move past the "closed shop" mentality. Mental wellness is a critical operational metric. Expecting your team to bottle up their stress will ultimately destroy your store's morale, customer experience, and productivity. To build a sustainable, high-performing workforce, operators must actively dismantle the stigma around mental health, provide tangible support resources, and encourage the kind of open communication that keeps top talent healthy, focused, and loyal. Watch more Auto Forum coverage at the link in our bio.