Maintaining strong connections with your team is crucial in the transport and logistics industry, particularly in trucking. Health and safety champions regularly connect with workers, which is essential to ensuring employees’ wellbeing, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall job satisfaction. While some companies have a dedicated health and safety manager, smaller companies may not have the same resources. Their champion could be someone wearing multiple hats, like a dispatcher or operations manager.

This article looks into the critical aspects of connecting, drawing from both contemporary insights and Aotearoa’s rich cultural heritage.

Truck drivers often face long hours on the road, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These conditions can severely impact mental wellbeing, including increased stress and anxiety. However, maintaining strong workplace connections can alleviate these issues. Health and safety champions can play a pivotal role by regularly checking in with drivers, not just with phone calls, but also via face-to-face interactions, which can significantly enhance the quality of connection and support.

Incorporating Māori principles can provide a holistic approach to worker wellbeing. The concept of whanaungatanga (relationship building), which emphasises the importance of relationships and community, can be particularly valuable. Leaders can strengthen the sense of community and belonging within the workplace by organising regular cultural workshops or hui (meetings) that include all workers, enhancing mutual understanding and support across different cultural backgrounds. This helps cultivate a sense of family and belonging within the workplace and creates a supportive environment that reflects traditional values. This approach not only enriches workplace culture but also integrates traditional Māori practices.

In the era of smartphones, it’s easy to forget the impact of face-to-face interaction. In-person communication can lead to better understanding and stronger relationships. For truck drivers, who may spend much of their time alone, periodic face-to-face meetings can provide a critical connection to their workplace and peers. Health and safety champions should encourage regular team meetings and one-on-one check- ins to cultivate these connections. It’s important not to rely solely on scheduled meetings. Make spontaneous connections by practicing Management by Walking Around (MBWA). This approach allows you to build genuine relationships with your team through informal, unplanned interactions.

Shift work, common in the transport and logistics sector, presents unique challenges. Irregular hours can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to fatigue, which affects safety and wellbeing. Health and safety champions should advocate for policies and procedures that mitigate these effects, such as rotating shifts to ensure adequate rest and providing resources for managing shift work. Additionally, regular communication about the importance of rest and strategies for coping with shift work can help maintain worker wellbeing.

While face-to-face communication is vital, technology can also play a supportive role. Tools like video calls and instant messaging can keep the lines of communication open, especially for remote or on-the-road workers. However, it’s crucial to balance this with personal interactions.

A connected workforce is a resilient one. When workers feel supported and valued, they are more likely to engage fully with their work, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction. Enhanced communication and trust between workers can lead to improved compliance and safety, reducing accidents and promoting a safer workplace. Furthermore, involving workers in health and safety discussions can encourage proactive problem-solving, benefiting your entire organisation.

For health and safety champions working in the transport and logistics sector, building a culture of connection is not just a strategy but a necessity. We can create a more supportive, engaged and safer workplace by embracing modern communication tools, traditional Māori values, and prioritising face-to-face interactions. Connecting with your team is crucial, but engaging with your peers is equally important. That’s why HARMfree Transport and Logistics offers an online forum and HARMfree Connect events, providing a platform for inspiration, idea sharing and knowledge exchange. Additionally, HARMfree has resources, information and access to professionals to support you in building a culture of connection within your team. Let’s commit to staying connected, together.