RHA has launched a Wellbeing Charter aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people working in the coach sector, and other road transport and logistics industries.
The Charter was unveiled at an event in London on 15 July, bringing together operators, stakeholders, policymakers and MPs to discuss workforce challenges and encourage businesses to commit to wellbeing initiatives.
It is built around six pillars – learning and development, mental wellbeing, leadership and resilience, connecting with others, exercise and physical health, and food and nutrition.
The framework is intended to help operators support employees through measures such as mental health partnerships, discounted gym membership and peer support networks.
RHA, which represents coach and logistics operators, says the initiative aims to deliver one million “moments of improvement” over the next 10 years.
Businesses that sign up will be encouraged to select actions across the six pillars, make public wellbeing pledges and work towards formal Charter accreditation. Participants will also have access to supporting resources through a dedicated RHA webpage and will be able to display an RHA Wellbeing Charter plaque.
The Charter highlights that long hours, isolation, fatigue, poor facilities, and other pressures connected to modern logistics can negatively impact on mental and physical health.
It adds that a happier and healthier workforce is more adaptable, improves retention, and contributes more to businesses, communities, and the wider economy.
Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, says: “Wellbeing has to be part of how we future-proof this industry, alongside the environmental and technological changes already underway.
“The RHA Wellbeing Charter puts us at the front of that conversation, working with members, policymakers and partners to make real, measurable improvements to people’s lives. This launch is just the beginning of that work. And I’d encourage businesses in our sector to get involved.”
The work builds on RHA’s previous efforts on the issue, which have included the RHA Benevolent Fund’s mental health fund and RHA mental health app.
