More than six hundred port workers took part in the welfare survey of the Centrale van Werkgevers Zeebrugge (Cewez). Thanks to a revamped approach, that’s an increase from seven to 30 per cent. This creates a broad support base for actions for more job happiness.
For three weeks, the Central Employers’ Group Zeebrugge (Cewez) conducted a well-being survey among dockers. In doing so, we wanted to go further than just the legally required psychosocial survey,” says director Carla Debart. “Our support centre for safety and well-being set up a coordinated campaign. Via social media, among others, and thanks to all the efforts of the workers’ organisations and the companies’ prevention advisers, the 2,115 recognised dockers in Zeebrugge were sensitised to take part in the survey.”
In the process, all modern means of communication were used to probe port workers about their happiness at work. Answering the thirty questions took an average of ten minutes and could be done on a web page or on paper. Participation was completely anonymous.
Taking action
By the end date of 10 March, more than 600 questionnaires had been completed. “The response rate is huge, when you know that previously 7% of people responded and now more than 30%. These more than six hundred participants give us a broad platform to take targeted actions. The data from the survey is now being analysed by our external partner for protection and prevention at work,” says Debart.
“The questions focused on the five A’s of psychosocial well-being: work organisation, work content, working conditions, working conditions and labour relations. Based on the results, we will map out the next steps together. Because everyone wants a pleasant and safe working environment.”
One in six Flemings
The renewed approach is also liked by the social partners. “Mental well-being is a very important issue: recent research showed that one in six Flemish people struggle with psychosocial problems at some point,” says Michael Voet of ACV-Transcom. “We welcome this initiative for port workers and would like to see it extended to logistics workers and craftsmen.”
