Supply Management, August 21, 2023
Transport and logistics employees are caught in a vicious cycle of overtime and burnout due to on going worker shortages, new research suggests.
According to a report, 32% of the UK’s transport and logistics employees work some form of unpaid overtime each week, as people increasingly exit the sector over stress and unfavourable conditions – leaving others to fill the gap.
Financial wellbeing provider Claro Wellbeing has cautioned companies about so-called “wellbeing washing” or speaking frequently about the importance of mental health without providing support.
Its Wellbeing Washing – The True Cost report found that over a fifth (21%) of employees said they work between one and five additional hours each week, while almost a quarter (24%) of employees said they work beyond their contracted hours due to increased workloads.
Software firm Riskonnect’s CEO, Jim Wetekamp, agreed and said while the supply chain and transport sector has struggled to attract and retain skilled talent for several years, this could significantly increase a company’s risk exposure as people may resort to taking shortcuts to keep up with demand.
He said: “As workers take on more responsibilities and put in extra hours, they’re more prone to burning out and causing errors.”
“Some workers will leave the organization or industry altogether in pursuit of healthier and higher paying work environments. That exacerbates the pressure on those that remain, creating a vicious cycle,” he added.
Increased use of automation could help lower the risk of worker burnout in the logistics sector, according to Wetekamp.
Read the full article in Supply Management.>>
