How can you improve the quality of life at work in your warehouse?

According to the 2013 National Interprofessional Agreement, the quality of life at workis defined as “the way of grouping under a single heading the actions that make it possible to reconcile both the improvement of working conditions for employees and the overall performance of companies”. So, how do you set up a QWL approach? And what are the benefits for employees and the company? Answer with RAJA.

Safety: a crucial issue for the quality of life in a warehouse

Taking measures to provide the necessary safety for your employees helps to improve the quality of life at work. From protective equipment to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), several points can be worked on to optimise the safety of your employees.

Choosing the right protective gear

In the warehouse, operators’ hands are particularly exposed to risks, whether it be cuts, crushing, burns, or chemical hazards. It is therefore essential to ensure the quality of the equipment provided. Gloves must be chosen according to the work performed, and meet the standards in force. Do not hesitate to read our article on this subject to properly choose your protective and work gloves.

Training your teams in safety rules

When used correctly, equipment presents little risk of injury. It is therefore important to train employees in the use of warehouse equipment and machinery, particularly to prevent MSDs. These conditions affecting the joints, muscles and tendons can indeed be promoted by poor posture or intensive strain on certain parts of the body. You can see our full guide to detecting and preventing MSDson our website.

There are specific trainings to help companies prevent MSDs. Such training is an essential component of reducing occupational hazards in the warehouse. This is the case with our Muscle Awakening training enabling:

• know the disorders and pains related to one’s own industry;
• discover and practice the different gestures that allow for a muscular warm-up adapted to one’s working conditions;
• and to improve the conditions and quality of life at work.

In terms of prevention, our Gestures and Postures training courseis also adapted to warehouse work. It aims to:

• prevent the risk of occupational diseases and accidents at work;
• apply ergonomic principles to the company’s workstations;
• train participants on the reflexes and gestures to adopt when handling loads;
• and to improve the conditions and quality of life at work.

Equipping with logistics robots

Logistics robots are also a great help within a warehouse. Indeed, while they increase logistics performance, they play a vital role in operator safety. In particular, logistics robots help prevent musculoskeletal disorders by saving your employees from carrying heavy loads or complicated, repetitive movements. Thus, entrusting complex tasks, such as handling goods, to logistics robots helps to reduce the risk of work-related accidents.

Employee well-being: a key factor for quality of work life

Taking care of your employees is not just about their safety. Indeed, quality of work life is also about employees’ working conditions. Certain improvements in the working environment make it easier to move towards well-being.

Opt for mobile workstations

Easily movable, mobile workstationsmeet employees’ need for flexibility. This is because there is equipment that allows employees to move around the warehouse while still performing their tasks. A mobile workstation thus allows changing environments, breaking the routine, and thus improving the quality of working life.

Integrating teams into the company’s thought processes

Asking employees to get involved in company-related thinking and decisions makes them feel involved in their work. This participation has a positive influence on the well-being of the employee who then feels considered by his employer.

In some companies, this may be difficult to apply. In this case, be sure to keep them informed of ongoing considerations and important decisions when it affects them.

Institute caring management

Within the warehouse, benevolence must be the watchword of your managers. Indeed, they are the guarantors of the well-being of the employees. The concept of benevolent management aims at a positive and sincere accompaniment of employees. To achieve this, the manager must show empathy and understanding, encourage his or her team, or avoid judgements. The main purpose of these behaviours is to show recognition to employees, both for themselves and for their work.

Improving quality of work life: what benefits for your company?

Proceeding with quality of work life improvements in your warehouse has many benefits. Indeed, it has implications on several levels:

• The productivity: strengthening the well-being of employees and their recognition has an impact on their commitment within the company, team cohesion. This in turn improves performance by optimising employee focus, creativity and, consequently, productivity. The company’s turnover can thus be increased.
• Less absenteeism: improving the quality of working life also helps to limit the risk of work-related injuries or burnout, leading to sick leave. Indeed, according to the Absenteeism and Engagement Barometer 2018, 42% of absences in companies are related to dissatisfaction with the quality of work life.
• The development of employees: fulfilled and happy, your employees are more likely to stay with the company. As a result, there is less turnover, which avoids having to continually train new employees.

Quality of work life is therefore beneficial for both employees and companies. It is a vector of commitment and performance, and must be included in the company’s policy in a sustainable manner. Adapted training, quality equipment, or even logistics robots are sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life at work in your warehouse.