Van Zwol, who now works as an HR innovation advisor with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, focused his PhD research on how managers can help ensure a sustainable career for lorry drivers. ‘There is a great deal of research into managers in traditional office jobs, but we know relatively little about managers trained on the job and so-called “blue-collar” workers. These groups are under-represented in the academic literature, whilst the practical sector really has its own unique dynamics. As a result, existing leadership development programmes may be insufficiently suited to the realities of this sector.’
Gap between drivers and managers
And that has consequences: in interviews with drivers and managers, Van Zwol discovered a clear gap between the two. ‘Dutch lorry drivers have specific aspirations regarding their careers, but these are rarely discussed with their managers. One driver told me, word for word: “This hour with you is the most I’ve ever talked about my work and career since I started here ten years ago.” This is also partly because it is unclear who is responsible for management; many drivers do not know this themselves either.’
Many people view the work of lorry drivers as routine and simple, and sometimes as a stopgap job. ‘That perception also seeps into organisations,’ says Van Zwol. ‘There is a clear mismatch between managers’ perspective on drivers’ careers and how drivers view their own professional careers. As a result, managers often underestimate drivers’ development aspirations and capabilities, whilst those drivers feel that little is expected of them. This mechanism perpetuates itself and limits the scope for development.’
Improving sustainable employability
To bring about change, Van Zwol, in collaboration with the Sector Institute for Transport and Logistics, developed a so-called Learning Community for managers within the transport sector. Sixteen managers took part in monthly sessions over a six-month period, guided by a facilitator with an affinity for the sector. ‘The aim was to work with this group to identify: what do we, as managers, need to improve the sustainable employability of our drivers?’
According to Van Zwol, managers became interested as soon as the shared problem of employability was explicitly identified. By highlighting the link between better support for employees and reducing absenteeism and staff shortages, you can make a difference. Companies also benefit when drivers remain in their roles more effectively and for longer. In this way, we can work together to foster greater understanding of this important professional group.
With funding from the NSvP Valorisation Grant, ‘Beyond the Blind Spot’ was developed in collaboration with Amber Kornet (Saxion & UTwente): a compilation of short videos designed to open up the conversation about involving practice-trained professionals in innovation processes. The videos can be viewed on YouTube and are freely available for use in training sessions, conferences or in education.