CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST2024 - Flipbook - Page 14
FUTURE FORWARD
SETTING UP
THE LOGISTICS
WORKPLACE OF
TOMORROW
W
orkplaces, including
the logistics sector, are evolving
as technological
adva ncement s
and changing workforce demographics reshape expectations.
Employers in this industry must
remain updated on current trends
and employee expectations to
prepare their organisations for
future workplace dynamics.
In recent years, the expectations of modern logistics
professionals have transformed.
Beyond traditional beneots and a
stable income, they now prioritise
security, nexibility, and additional
perks in their careers rather than
just a job. To attract and retain top
talent in logistics, employers must
focus on creating a future-ready
environment that ofers safety,
nexibility, and a range of perks.
The following are the
primary areas where modern
logistics workers expect their
employers to excel. By acknowledging these emerging workplace
trends, logistics employers can
enhance their ability to attract,
retain, and stay competitive in a
rapidly evolving labour market.
Safety: An Integral
Element
Safety is paramount in the
logistics industry, where the
handling and transportation of
goods pose signiocant risks of
14 | CARGOCONNECT AUGUST 2024
accidents and injuries.
Beyond moral considerations, ensuring the
safety of employees is
crucial for the smooth
operation of logistics
businesses. A secure
workplace not only
protects employees
and goods but also
safeguards the company9s reputation and
onancial stability.
Safety encompasses a safe working environment,
essential training, and access
to protective equipment. This
includes regular safety training and drills, investments in
technology, and providing the
necessary tools for employees
to perform their duties safely.
The modern logistics workforce, in particular, expect
employers to foster a strong
safety culture that encourages
and rewards safe practices.
Truck drivers expect their
companies to prioritise routine
vehicle maintenance and implement rigorous safety measures
for load securing and compliance
with hours of service regulations.
Warehouse workers expect access
to personal protective equipment
(PPE) such as hard hats, safety
glasses, and steel-toed boots,
along with training on the safe
operation of equipment like
forklifts and pallet jacks.
Additionally, a comprehensive emergency response plan is
essential for employees and the
modern logistics workforce, who
value regular drills to ensure
they are prepared to respond
efectively in emergencies.
Flexibility: A Critical
Expectation
The global pandemic has catalysed
a shift towards digital and nexible
work approaches across industries,
including logistics. Employees
have expressed a strong desire to
maintain nexible work arrangements, prompting employers to
explore and implement solutions
aligned with their business goals.
Efective nexible work programs
not only enhance retention rates
but also appeal to a diverse workforce when managed efectively.
However, the logistics industry
faces unique challenges in balancing these evolving expectations.
These challenges include labour
shortages, managing diverse
workforces encompassing both
drivers and non-driving staf, and
meeting demands for automation,
digitisation, and compliance.
Flexibility is becoming
increasingly crucial for future
logistics workers. Employers who
ofer nexible work options are
better positioned to attract and
retain top talent. Here are several
strategies employers can adopt
to meet the growing demand for
nexibility:
* Remote Work: Leveraging
advancements in communication and IT, logistics tasks
such as order processing
and customer service can be
performed remotely. Remote
work enhances work-life balance and eliminates daily
commuting requirements.
* Flexible Hours: Offering
flexible scheduling allows
logistics workers to manage
personal or family obligations
and work during their most
productive hours. Efective
scheduling practices can signiocantly improve retention
and productivity.
* Alternative Scheduling
Models: Some logistics
companies are adopting
part-time work or job-sharing
