CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series illustrates a different career aspect of the air cargo industry each week. As we are now in the midst of the summer holiday season and the industry’s workload is currently spread over fewer backs, we take a break from the usual seven questions, to instead focus on the importance of taking a holiday. Air Cargo is an industry that never stops and most of our Spotlight guests thus far have pointed out that there is not really anything like a ‘normal day’ or simple 9-5 job. Any number of funny memes on LinkedIn frequently illustrate the effects of the stress that those superpowers working in logistics are constantly exposed to – a 24/7 job with an ever-changing daily potpourri of challenges…
In that kind of environment and with most of us equipped with global digital access in our pocket, it can be very difficult to actually turn off and take a proper holiday. I, too, found myself answering work emails and WhatsApps whilst on a long walk in the woods (and the heat!) this week, knowing full well that I really should go offline for a while. Yet, we fall into the trap of thinking we are indispensable and that can be very dangerous for our health – both physical and mental.
Take a load off to get those loads on!
The dangers of not taking a holiday are many, and – at the end of the day – it is not just you who suffers: your work and your relationships may also be negatively affected. Catch yourself getting short-tempered? Forgetting things? Feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks on your desk? Continuous work without time off increases the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Not taking a break heightens stress levels which in turn can lead to mood swings, insomnia, and general unhappiness or lethargy. The longer those symptoms last, the greater your chance of Burnout, which is characterized by emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. I know of too many in my network of air cargo colleagues, who have been hospitalized or on extended sick leave because their body suddenly shut down. Needless to say, therefore, chronic stress without recovery time can severely impact both your personal and professional life.
Longer hours do not mean greater output
There is false pride connected with working long hours. If you are one of those people who enjoy pointing out how busy you are (and I will slap my own wrist for my actions this week), and how many hours you are putting in, know this: the longer you work, the less productive you become. The return on investment on the hours you put in, takes a nosedive: Fatigue hampers cognitive functions, decision-making, and creativity, and reduces your overall work efficiency. If you work in a physical environment, then you increase the risk of an accident happening in the workplace. You’re not safe when you’re tired.
Married to your desk?
And if you are stuck at your desk all the time, not moving, then you put yourself at risk of physical health issues such as cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system, thus increasing your overall susceptibility to illnesses. Your body needs time to recover from the physical and mental demands of work. That’s the work part of things. If your family never gets to see you because your workplace always comes first, then your personal relationships will suffer. The inability to spend quality time with family and friends can lead to isolation, misunderstandings, and even conflicts. Social connections are essential for emotional well-being and neglecting them can have long-term negative effects.
The long and short of things
Taking regular holidays is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health. It helps prevent burnout, boosts productivity, and strengthens personal relationships. National and international aviation authorities such as ICAO, IATA, the FAA and its peers, set strict regulations regarding work hours, rest periods, and holidays to ensure the safety and well-being of its workers. These standards are designed to prevent fatigue among flight crew members, which is critical for maintaining safety in air operations, including cargo flights. So, what about all those in air cargo operating on the ground? They are subject to the labor laws in the respective country. Most countries will ensure that workers receive paid leave and holiday entitlements, yet these can differ wildly depending on where in the world you are. Some countries offer generous paid leave, while others leave it largely up to the employer. Whereas the U.S. averages 10 days of paid time off per annum, the EU has some of the most generous holiday entitlements in the world at 4-5 weeks of paid annual leave (not including public holiday), as just two examples.
Take that holiday!
A good employer understands the importance of taking a holiday and will encourage you to make full use of your time off. Regular vacations contribute to a better work-life balance, improved productivity, stronger team spirit and better quality of life overall. The recent pandemic and the devastating pressure on air cargo staff led to greater labor shortages and a 15% higher rate of burnout among logistics managers (according to a 2021 study published in the Logistics and Transportation Review). Thus, those companies with an interest in their employees’ health have begun incorporating wellness programs. Work-Life-Balance initiatives include more flexible working arrangements, mental health support, and robust stress management programs. Trainings on stress management, time management, and resilience can help staff cope with the demands of their job. Learning to delegate so that you can really turn off during your time off, is also to be encouraged.
The Right to Disconnect
To those of you currently reading CFG on your holidays – we hope you enjoyed the article whilst relaxing on a sun lounger somewhere, and that you will now put your phone to one side and get on with enjoying the company of the people around you. (Or, if you are going to Google, then look up the ‘Right to Disconnect’ for your country and find out if you really are expected to answer emails during your paid leave…) To those reading this at work – well done on grabbing that coffee break!
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
