In today’s employee-driven market, especially for Gen Z talent, benefits aren’t just perks – they’re strategic tools for attraction and retention
In an industry obsessed with moving goods, optimising routes, and managing fleets, we’ve overlooked our most critical asset – the people behind the wheel and behind the screens. As the logistics sector rides its own rollercoaster – from pandemic-driven freight surges to this year’s scarcity of freight – employee well-being has become the competitive edge companies can’t afford to ignore.
The “Tough It Out” Myth That’s Killing Your Business
Let’s be blunt: the persistent “tough it out” culture in logistics is outdated and dangerous. When one in four employees in Central and Eastern Europe will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime, expecting your team to simply “survive” isn’t just unhealthy – it’s bad business. The logistics industry’s demanding pace, coupled with global tensions from Ukraine to Israel, creates a pressure cooker for burnout. When an employee’s mental health collapses, you’re not looking at a two-day absence – you’re facing weeks or months of lost productivity, placing additional burden on your remaining team.
Insurance: The Competitive Weapon Logistics Companies Are Not Using
While competitors scramble to attract talent with base salaries, forward-thinking logistics companies are deploying a more sophisticated arsenal:
- Mental Health Solutions: From employee assistance programmes to mindfulness apps, addressing mental health doesn’t require massive investment but it does delivers enormous returns.
- Health Insurance: For office staff spending 8-10 hours daily at computers, private health insurance helps prevent and treat conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure – all common in sedentary professions.
- Group Personal Accident Insurance: For drivers facing higher physical risks, this coverage is non-negotiable.
- Business Travel Insurance: When a driver falls critically ill abroad, who covers the €40,000 intensive care bill? One real case demonstrated how this insurance handled medical treatment, replacement driver costs, and family travel expenses.
Beyond Benefits: Building a Retention Strategy
In today’s employee-driven market, especially for Gen Z talent, benefits aren’t just perks – they’re strategic tools for attraction and retention. Smart employers are structuring tiered benefit packages that reward longevity, offering enhanced health coverage and pension solutions for those who are committed to staying with the company.
The question isn’t whether you can afford these benefits – it’s whether you can afford not to offer them. With tax incentives available in many European countries, the financial impact is often minimal compared to the crippling costs of high turnover and absenteeism. In logistics, success depends not just on moving goods efficiently, but on caring for the people who make it all happen. As competition for talent intensifies, the companies that understand this fundamental truth will be the ones delivering results for years to come.
This article is part of FORWARD Magazine, our premier client publication, offering deep insights and expert analysis to help you navigate this ever-evolving landscape.
This issue takes a deep dive into the dynamic world of transportation and logistics, offering expert perspectives, compelling case studies, and practical guidance for navigating today’s challenges.

