Logistics professionals a resless bunch!

At least 50% of logistics and supply chain professionals across the world at any given time are actively looking for another job with better offers, according to a recent study released by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Transport & Logistics 2030, a foresight study into the industry, found that many employees in the sector were not happy with their circumstances and were actively seeking other employment. The study found that remuneration, working conditions and the negative perception of the industry were major contributing factors to employees wanting to leave. According to Charl Goosen, associate director for PricewaterhouseCoopers, the transport and logistics industry needs to realise that its biggest asset is its people. “We have to find ways of rewarding and recognising people in this industry if we want to retain them long term,” he said at the monthly Transport Forum in Cape Town last week. “There is a strong need for differentiated development options in the transportation and logistics industry. Making sure that there are enough skilled candidates and suitable advancement options for talented staff won’t be easy.” Goosen said continuous training as well as more advancement opportunities would become crucial for the retention of talent, while aligning company and employee goals could have major benefits. “The requirements of employees are changing and the need for better educated workers increases every day,” he said. “According to the study, the transportation and logistics industry will fall short of taking full advantage of the significant benefits that gender and cultural diversity can offer and will have to find ways of changing this.” While culturally diverse, the transport and logistics industry globally remains a largely male-dominated field with just 20-30% of the total being women. Less than 10% of employees in management positions in the industry are women despite evidence that women‘s participation in leadership functions has positive effects on a company‘s performance, said Goosen. “And the challenge is that even when we have addressed all these issues job seekers still won’t necessarily see transportation and logistics as a desirable industry. To stand out, transportation and logistics companies must proactively manage their company brand.” Goosen said now more than ever before the sector was going to have to brand itself out there as a workplace of choice if it wants to remain viable into the future. CAPTION Charl Goosen … women still under-represented.