Trust, close ones and co-operation: factors that promote well-being at work among professional drivers
The TOP 5 factors promoting professional drivers’ well-being at work is a checklist of the things that organizations in this sector should take into account in their operations, even if they do not otherwise invest in well-being at work. The new list draws attention to the importance of good co-operation, trust and close ones for the well-being at work and workability of professional drivers. Fitness for work and sufficient sleep are also high on the list.
The Top 5 factors promoting professional drivers’ well-being at work have been gathered from the workplaces, entrepreneurs and working professional drivers of the “Young Driver can!” project.
”For the first time, transport companies themselves have highlighted the factors that from their viewpoint have the most influence on well-being at work and workability,” says Senior Specialist Anne Salmi, who heads the project at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
“These factors were also used to form induction training criteria for young professional drivers from the work ability perspective,” explains Susanna Kemppainen, a specialist in the project.
The TOP 5 list can be used to check how much importance you and your organization place on well-being at work
The themes are: fitness for work, sleep, good co-operation, trustworthy and responsible drivers and employees, and the importance of close ones. The list is in the form of a checklist, for evaluating how well organizations take these factors into account.
”For example, the ‘Importance of close ones’ section checks work/life balance. Is there enough time left after work for family and friends? Do close ones support and encourage work? Are workers able to influence work shift planning? At the same time the health risks of excessive working hours are emphasized; i.e. workers may be tired and depressed at work and there may be arguments at home,” continues Salmi.
Raising issues important to drivers in health examinations and in training
There is still room for improvement in the emphasis small and medium-sized transport companies place on well-being at work. Investing in well-being at work requires the involvement of occupational health services, occupational safety officers, and personnel training, and includes good quality induction training. It also means encouraging a healthy lifestyle. All parties still have work to do in this area.
”Occupational health services tend to prioritize treatment when it comes to work ability. Doctors talk about blood pressure and the risks of type 2 diabetes, when they may get drivers to talk more if they asked, for example, whether they dare tell their employer if there is a fault in their vehicle. Talking about how well co-operation works may help access problems that are under the surface and may be detrimental to health, at the same time creating more trust,” says Salmi.
“Young Driver can!” is a two-year project and is funded by the European Social Fund.
Further information
Anne Salmi, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 43 824 1342, anne.salmi[at]ttl.fi
Susanna Kemppainen, Specialist, tel. +358 43 824 3390, susanna.kemppainen[at]ttl.fi
See the TOP 5 factors promoting professional drivers’ well-being at work here
“Young Driver can!” project
For free printed copies of the checklist, contact: anne.salmi[at]ttl.fi
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health researches, develops and specializes in well-being at work. It promotes occupational health and safety and the well-being of workers. It is an independent institution under public law, working under the administrative sector of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. It has six regional offices, and its headquarters are in Helsinki. It employs just under 800 people.
