Employee Health and wellness

 


Employee health and wellness is one of the most critical HRM issues in the distribution industry today. According to Lengnick-Hall et al. (2013), supply chain management (SCM) is vital for HRM as the former provides a structure for HRM regarding recruitment, training, and retaining employees. SCM, however, presents unique challenges to employee health and wellness due to the complex nature of the supply chain. Therefore, it is imperative that HRM policies should be designed and implemented to safeguard employee health and wellness in the distribution industry.

McKinnon (2017) notes that supply chain workers in the distribution industry perform physically demanding tasks that often result in injuries and occupational health hazards. These health hazards can be attributed to various factors such as prolonged working hours, exposure to hazardous materials, and poor ergonomic practices. As such, HRM policies should address these factors to ensure employee health and wellness are protected.

Fahed-Sreih (2018) suggests that HRM policies should emphasize a proactive approach to employee health and wellness in the distribution industry. This approach should incorporate regular health checkups, on-site wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments to mitigate the effects of physically demanding work. By taking a proactive approach, the distribution industry can minimize absenteeism, reduce employee turnover, and boost productivity.

In addition, HRM policies should recognize that employees in the distribution industry may experience emotional stress due to the high-pressure work environment. Mura (2017) states that emotional stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, which can negatively impact employee health and wellness. Therefore, HRM policies should promote a positive work environment that fosters emotional well-being.

One effective strategy for promoting employee health and wellness in the distribution industry is through the provision of employee assistance programs (EAPs). Cooke and Kim (2017) note that EAPs can provide support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues that may affect their emotional well-being. Such programs can also help employees develop healthy coping mechanisms, leading to a more positive work environment.

Hohenstein et al. (2014) also suggest that HRM policies should incorporate strategies for managing work-life balance for employees in the distribution industry. Such strategies may include flexible work schedules, job sharing, and telecommuting. These strategies can enhance employee job satisfaction, reduce stress, and improve employee health and wellness.

In conclusion, the distribution industry faces significant challenges in promoting employee health and wellness due to the demanding nature of supply chain management. HRM policies should be designed and implemented to address the unique challenges in the distribution industry to safeguard employee health and wellness. Proactive approaches, such as employee assistance programs, and strategies for managing work-life balance can be effective in promoting employee health and wellness in the distribution industry.


                                             (Source: GreggU,2020)


                                           (Source: GreggU,2020) 

Reference

  • Armstrong, M. & Taylor, S. 2017, Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice, 14th edn, KoganPage, London.
  • Boxall, P., Purcell, J. and Wright, P. (eds.) (2008). The Oxford Handbook of Human Resource Management. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Bratton, J. & Gold, J. 2017, Human resource management: theory and practice, 6th edn, Palgrave, London.
  •   Fahed-Sreih, J. 2018, Human Resource Planning for the 21st Century, IntechOpen.
  • Gilmore, S and Williams, S (2009). Human Resource Management. Oxford; Oxford University Press.
  • Gowen, C.R. & Tallon, W.J. 2003, "Enhancing supply chain practices through human resource management", The Journal of management development, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 32-44.
  • Heery, E. 2008, The Oxford Handbook of Human Resource Management.
  • Hohenstein, N.O., Feisel, E. and Hartmann, E., 2014. Human resource management issues in supply chain management research: a systematic literature review from 1998 to 2014. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management.
  •  Kim, S. & Cooke, F.L. 2017, Routledge Handbook of Human Resource Management in Asia, 1st edn, Taylor and Francis
  • Lengnick-Hall, M.L., Lengnick-Hall, C.A. and Rigsbee, C.M., 2013. Strategic human resource management and supply chain orientation. Human resource management review23(4), pp.366-377.
  • McKinnon, A. 2017, Logistics competencies, skills, and training: a global overview, World Bank Group, Washington.
  • Mura, L. 2017, Issues of Human Resource Management, IntechOpen. 

 

 


Comments

  1. Well penned.
    I agree with the author that emotional stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, which can negatively impact employee health and wellness. As Clegg, Courpasson, and Phillips (2006) note, emotional stress can also lead to power imbalances in the workplace. HRM policies should promote a positive work environment that fosters emotional well-being to mitigate these negative effects.

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    1. Thank you for your feedback! You make an excellent point about the importance of promoting emotional well-being in the workplace. Indeed, research has shown that a positive work environment can improve employee mental health and well-being, which can ultimately lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity (Cameron et al., 2011). It's crucial for HRM policies to address emotional stress and promote a supportive work culture that prioritizes employee well-being.

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  2. I completely agree with Fahed-Sreih (2018) that HRM policies should incorporate a proactive approach to employee health and wellness in the distribution industry. This approach should include regular health checkups, on-site wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments. By taking a proactive approach, the distribution industry can minimize absenteeism, increase employee retention and engagement and thereby increase performance

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    1. I appreciate your comment and agree with you that incorporating a proactive approach to employee health and wellness in the distribution industry can have many benefits, including reducing absenteeism and increasing employee retention and engagement. As you mentioned, regular health checkups, on-site wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments can all play an important role in promoting employee well-being. By prioritizing employee health and wellness, organizations can create a positive work environment and improve overall performance. Thank you for sharing your insights.

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  3. Great article on the importance of addressing employee health and wellness in the distribution industry Hassaan. The physical demands of the job and the high-pressure work environment can impact employee health (McKinnon, 2017; Mura, 2017). HRM policies should take a proactive approach, incorporating regular health checkups, on-site wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments (Fahed-Sreih, 2018). Employee assistance programs (EAPs) and strategies for managing work-life balance, such as flexible work schedules, can also be effective in promoting employee health and wellness (Cooke & Kim, 2017; Hohenstein et al., 2014). Overall, prioritizing employee health and wellness can lead to reduced absenteeism, lower turnover, and increased productivity in the distribution industry.

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    1. Thank you for your insightful comment on the importance of addressing employee health and wellness in the distribution industry. You bring up excellent points about the physical demands and high-pressure work environment that can impact employee health, and the need for HRM policies to take a proactive approach through regular health checkups, on-site wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments. The use of employee assistance programs and strategies for managing work-life balance, such as flexible work schedules, can also be effective in promoting employee health and wellness. Your observations align with current research, and your contribution to the discussion is greatly appreciated.

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  4. I completely agree with the author that employee health and wellness is a critical HRM issue in the distribution industry. As Lawler and Boudreau (2015) note, promoting employee health and wellness can lead to reduced absenteeism and turnover rates, improved productivity, and higher job satisfaction. It is crucial that HRM policies in the distribution industry are designed and implemented to address the unique challenges presented by the complex nature of supply chain management.

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    1. I completely agree with you as well. HRM policies should be tailored to address the unique challenges of the distribution industry, including the physical demands of the job, the high-pressure work environment, and the need for effective supply chain management. In addition, it's essential that these policies prioritize employee health and wellness to promote a positive work environment and mitigate negative impacts on employee well-being. By doing so, the distribution industry can reap the benefits of reduced absenteeism and turnover rates, improved productivity, and higher job satisfaction, as you've mentioned. Thank you for sharing your valuable perspective!

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  5. Hassaan has written an excellent article on the significance of addressing employee health and wellness in the distribution industry. The physical demands of the job and the high-stress work environment can have a negative effect on employee health (McKinnon, 2017; Mura, 2017). (Fahed-Sreih, 2018) HRM policies should take a proactive approach by incorporating routine health screenings, on-site wellness programmes, and ergonomic assessments. Also effective in promoting employee health and wellness are employee assistance programmes (EAPs) and strategies for managing work-life balance, such as flexible work schedules (Cooke & Kim, 2017; Hohenstein et al., 2014). In the distribution industry, prioritising employee health and wellness can reduce absenteeism, decrease attrition, and increase productivity.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the importance of employee health and wellness in the distribution industry. I completely agree that the physical and mental demands of the job can have a negative impact on employee health, and HRM policies should take a proactive approach to mitigate these effects. The implementation of routine health screenings, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements can promote employee health and wellness, leading to decreased absenteeism and attrition, and increased productivity. It is essential for companies in the distribution industry to prioritize employee health and wellness to ensure a healthy and productive workforce.

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  6. In an Organization utmost important thing is current employees' physical and mental well-being. First of all HR professionals should understand the current employee's mental problems and address them at the earliest. Without effective support from the HRM, mental disorders and other mental health conditions can affect a person's confidence at work which will lead to organizational productivity. what is your opinion on it?

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    1. I completely agree that employee well-being, including their physical and mental health, is crucial for organizational productivity. As noted by Lawler and Boudreau (2015), promoting employee health and wellness can lead to reduced absenteeism and turnover rates, improved productivity, and higher job satisfaction. Therefore, HR professionals should prioritize employee well-being by providing resources and support to address mental health issues in the workplace. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), workplace stress can contribute to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (APA, 2021). Therefore, HR professionals should work to create a supportive work environment and offer resources such as counseling services to address mental health issues in the workplace (Huang et al., 2020).

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  7. I completely agree with the importance of promoting employee health and wellness in the distribution industry. In addition to the strategies mentioned in the article, such as employee assistance programs and work-life balance management, I believe that providing adequate training and education on safety practices can also help improve employee health and wellness. This is supported by research from León-Pérez et al. (2019).
    How can organizations measure the effectiveness of their HRM policies on employee health and wellness in the distribution industry?

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    1. I agree with your points on the importance of safety training and education in promoting employee health and wellness in the distribution industry, and the need to measure the effectiveness of HRM policies. One way organizations can measure the effectiveness of their HRM policies is through employee surveys and feedback mechanisms, which can help identify areas for improvement and measure the impact of existing policies on employee health and wellness (Barron et al., 2018). Additionally, tracking absenteeism and turnover rates can provide insights into the effectiveness of HRM policies on employee health and wellness (Lawler & Boudreau, 2015). Overall, it is important for organizations to regularly evaluate and adjust their HRM policies to ensure they are effectively promoting employee health and wellness in the distribution industry.

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  8. Employee health and wellness is crucial because it can have a direct impact on an organization's overall productivity and employee satisfaction. When employees are healthy and well, they are more likely to be present at work, engaged in their tasks, and able to perform to the best of their abilities. Implementing programs and initiatives to promote employee health and wellness can also help to reduce healthcare costs and improve retention rates.

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    1. I completely agree with your points on the importance of employee health and wellness for organizational productivity and employee satisfaction. According to research by Baicker et al. (2010), implementing wellness programs can lead to a reduction in healthcare costs and an improvement in employee productivity. Additionally, studies by Goetzel et al. (2014) have shown that investing in employee health and wellness programs can result in decreased absenteeism and increased retention rates. Therefore, organizations should prioritize the implementation of such programs to benefit both their employees and the overall business.

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