Managers’ and safety representatives’ perspectives on electronic monitoring and occupational health in the transport and logistics industries in Sweden

Abstract

Objectives: Qualitative research on electronic monitoring in relation to occupational health remains limited. This study aimed to explore managers’ and safety representatives’ perspectives on how electronic monitoring in the transport and logistics industries has influenced the work environment, including job demands and available resources. Methods: A qualitative study design employing semi-structured interviews was used to collect open-ended data and explore the views of managers and safety representatives regarding electronic monitoring. Data were analysed using content analysis and consisted of 16 semi-structured interviews with participants from 15 organizations within the transport and logistics industries in Sweden. Results: The content analysis identified two main categories: electronic monitoring and organizational culture (with sub-categories: purpose of electronic monitoring; and electronic monitoring and the social work environment); and electronic monitoring and employee well-being (with sub-categories: electronic monitoring and employee impact; and ethical surveillance practices). Conclusions: Although electronic monitoring in the transport and logistics sectors offers security advantages, it may also adversely affect recovery, autonomy and team cohesion. To mitigate these risks, monitoring systems should be implemented ethically, with transparency and an emphasis on support rather than control. Furthermore, ensuring sufficient recovery time within driver schedules and workflows is essential for promoting occupational health.