John Sansom, HARMfree Transport and Logistics Programme Manager, NZ Trucking Association, speaks on championing innovative work design principles.

In the bustling world of transport and logistics, embracing Good Work Design is like discovering the industry’s holy grail. It’s a quest not for the faint-hearted but for those willing to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of tasks, procedures, processes and worker competency. This approach transcends the mere avoidance of physical mishaps, venturing into the realm of psychosocial hazard mitigation, redesigning work processes and ensuring a well-rounded safeguarding of worker wellbeing in an industry that never hits the brakes.

Good Work Design’s success hinges significantly on senior leaders’ commitment. By championing innovative work design principles, they can substantially improve operational efficiency and worker wellbeing. Engaging workers becomes crucial in a world where operating heavy machinery and enduring long distances is just another day at the office. High levels of engagement do more than boost productivity; they also lead to a noticeable decrease in safety incidents. Cultivating a work environment that values open communication, recognition and growth opportunities ensures that drivers and operators are not just physically present but are fully invested in their roles. Making engagement a priority is key to ensuring a safer and more productive journey on the road.

In the ever-evolving landscape of transport and logistics, continuous improvement and success are achieved with a robust feedback loop. Actively listening to workers and acting upon their feedback is critical. Adopting a ‘Manage By Walking Around’ approach allows leaders to engage directly with their teams on the ground, gathering invaluable insights. This dedication to turning feedback into action cultivates innovation and inclusivity.

Advancing the industry requires a holistic approach to work design, integrating physical, biomechanical, cognitive and psychosocial aspects of work with the unique needs and capabilities of the workforce. This comprehensive strategy ensures that every job aspect is tailored to promote health, efficiency and satisfaction among drivers and team members. By prioritising holistic work design, we don’t just optimise operations; we become more resilient, adapt and thrive.

The discovery phase is a critical time for innovation and improvement. Creating a psychologically safe atmosphere during this phase is paramount, laying the foundation for openly understanding worker experiences and identifying potentially harmful work features. Ensuring teams feel secure in sharing their thoughts and concerns allows for the uncovering of invaluable insights into making operations safer, more efficient and more supportive of workforce wellbeing.

Transitioning from the discovery phase requires a strategic shift towards defining specific problems or opportunities. This critical step involves evaluating the value and impact of the chosen focus areas, directing efforts toward initiatives that promise significant benefits for operations, safety and workforce satisfaction. Identifying a problem is just the beginning. When initial discovery reveals issues, a deeper dive – via direct observation, engaging conversations with workers, or thorough data analysis – is necessary. This deeper understanding enables the development of more effective and sustainable solutions.

After pinpointing a specific problem, the next step is implementation. Developing and delivering tailored solutions, tracking their impact and being ready for necessary adjustments are key to success. This dynamic process allows for the refinement of strategies in real time, enhancing efficiency, safety and satisfaction across operations. Designing out problems before they arise not only prevents harm and costly disruptions but also leads to significant cost savings and ensures your operation remains competitive and sustainable.

As the workforce in the transport and logistics industry becomes older and more diverse, there’s an opportunity to redefine Good Work Design to accommodate and embrace this diversity. Creating an inclusive environment that values the unique perspectives and needs of every worker positions businesses as employers of choice. Good Work Design that caters to workforce diversity enhances satisfaction and retention, driving innovation and adaptability.

The journey of Good Work Design in transport and logistics is not just about streamlining operations, redesigning work processes and enhancing safety protocols. It’s about creating a future where the industry not only meets the current challenges head-on but does so with an eye towards innovation, inclusivity and resilience. By ensuring committed leadership, continuous feedback, holistic work design and embracing workforce diversity, our sector is well on its way to not just navigating the present but guaranteeing we thrive in the future.

For more information and resources on Good Work Design, check out harmfreetransport.nz.