In the logistics industry, employees are responsible for many functions including billing, freight management, coordination, and customer service. Whether it’s a logistics company specializing in land, air, or sea logistics, one of the most important components of its success is productive employees, and to have productive employees, it must be a positive work environment. Employees work harder and are more loyal when they feel valued and appreciated, and one of the keys to making sure employees know they are valued is to create a nontoxic work environment.
1. Have open lines of communication.
In the logistics industry, having open lines of communication is the key to creating a positive work environment. Employees should be able to have direct communication with management, and management should want to listen to their employees. Companies need to create environments (ex. town halls, focus groups, etc.) where employees of all levels can share their frustrations and challenges so improvements can be made. When logistics employees have a safe environment to share information, the company can make improvements and use the improvements to be even more successful. Companies should encourage management to spend time with employees in their direct work environment so they can see firsthand if any changes (ex. equipment, processes, paperwork, etc.) could be made for increased efficiency, and when employees are more productive, it will lead to a more positive work environment.
2. Encourage employee participation in a wellness program.
Creating a wellness program and encouraging employee participation is an essential way to have a positive work environment in the logistics industry. By having logistics employees participate in a wellness program, they will be improving their overall health which will lead to fewer sick days, clarity in mental health, and lower stress levels. When logistics employees can focus on things other than their health and not being able to perform job functions because they are sick, they will be able to concentrate more on their job functions and things that bring them joy. Companies can offer preventative health options (ex. flu shots, health screenings, etc.) and bring in healthcare professionals to educate employees on wellness topics (ex. nutrition, mental health, etc.). If companies don’t have the space to have an onsite exercise facility, they should look at local gyms and offer a discount to employees who want a membership there.
3. Make work fun.
The logistics industry is one of the most important industries because it keeps the other industries moving, but to have a positive work environment, employees in the logistics industry must view work as fun. Companies can play music, organize office activities (ex. sporting game, trivia contest, holiday parties, etc.), host monthly birthday parties, and bring in treats “just because” (ex. coffee, donuts, cookies, etc.). To have a positive work environment, logistics employees have to be able to reduce their stress levels, and to reduce their stress levels, the company must make the workplace inviting and enjoyable. You can even let them watch football in your office after work shift or display the football livescore on one of the screens in the office when important football events start.
4. Present incentives or rewards to employees.
Everyone loves recognition and to be noticed for their hard work, and by creating an incentive or rewards program, logistics employees can reap the benefits of their hard work and accomplishments. Companies can create reward systems when employees hit certain milestones like work anniversaries, reach a professional accomplishment (ex. shipped 10,000 packages), or broke a company record (ex. a number of days without an injury). The most important thing is to offer rewards that employees will appreciate, and it doesn’t have to be monetary or a gift. Rewards like a free lunch with a manager or getting to leave 2 hours early will encourage employees too.
5. Offer amenities and perks available for employee usage.
Employees in the logistics industry deserve any luxuries a company can afford to give them. The amenities and perks don’t have to be grand or blow the budget, but they do have to be important to the employees. Items like a new coffee maker or free snacks will certainly improve employee satisfaction, and if an area like the employee break room or kitchen is outdated or has equipment that is broken, replacing it and making necessary capital improvements will definitely have to boost morale and create a positive work environment.
In the logistics industry, having employees work in a positive work environment is key to a company’s success. When logistics employees feel stress or extreme pressure from a toxic work environment, they will shut down which means their work suffers as a result. Instead of having a work environment where employees are not motivated or encouraged, companies should invest the time and resources to make sure their employee morale and satisfaction is high. The invested resources don’t have to be a large monetary value, but when employees have a positive work environment and feel appreciated, they will work at a higher level which equates to a more successful logistics company.
