Health is wealth in logistics

ONE IN four people will experience a mental health issue in any given year (source: MHFA England CIC). According to the charity Mental Health.org, men’s mental health is a significant problem with around 1 in 8, experiencing a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with men aged 40-49 recording the highest suicide rates in the UK. In a male-dominated industry such as the logistics sector, this is particularly relevant.

Ten members of staff at PML recently put themselves forward to attend a course run by MHFA, England. The course enabled delegates to access guidance on Mental Health First Aid and was designed to equip line managers with a step-by-step framework to help create a healthier workplace. It included a focus on key areas such as learning how to spot an employee experiencing mental ill health; how to manage and support them at work, while they are off sick and when they return to work,  while also delivering advice on how to prevent the early symptoms of mental ill health escalating into a major illness.

PML HR manager Imrana Giannotto says: “The course has proved really beneficial by providing solid practical advice to help us spot the tell-tale signs that an employee’s mental health is being tested – and most importantly, to put in place practices and procedures to avert a situation resulting in a fellow colleague suffering a genuine mental health condition. Noticing the little things like withdrawal from regular conversation, lack of cooperation, presenteeism, frequent complaints of being tired all the time, these can all point to a person not coping and needing support. One of the strengths of the company has always been its genuine commitment to staff welfare and we believe that our industry needs to be more open about the need to discuss mental wellbeing. The training has opened our eyes to the importance of this and we are now looking at training further staff to ensure mental first aid becomes as important as physical first aid within our business.”

Being open to discussing mental health is a major step forward, and is particularly relevant for lone workers, such as HGV drivers who may spend many hours without the companionship and support of co-workers. PML has already committed significant investment towards improving the physical welfare of HGV drivers at its Kent transport and logistics hub, which includes a driver welfare unit offering 24/7 on-site security and secure parking to enable drivers to get a good night’s sleep without fear of break-ins or migrant stowaway attempts; clean toilets & showers; access to on-site catering for hot meals and snacks and vending machines offering essential toiletries. However, acknowledging the need to monitor signs of emotional distress is now an equal priority.

Feeling valued is an integral strand to a positive state of mind. Small actions by the company – which don’t need to be costly – can make a major difference. The recent Platinum Jubilee represented an opportunity for PML to celebrate with staff, who were given an afternoon tea in a box as a gesture of thanks for their continued support. Similarly buying the team ice creams on a hot day and setting up a dedicated Ladies Golf team to offer a regular slot for ‘winding down’ from the stresses of the job, these are all examples of meaningful – but not high budget – gestures which go a long way.

For more information, visit www.pml.com