Purpose and Research Questions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 69 views

Introduction

The rapid development of technology and increasing market needs have led to a significant increase in online transactions and activities. This, in turn, has resulted in a growing demand for goods delivery services, making the courier profession increasingly important. As a result, the role of the expedition courier has become more complex, requiring not only physical capabilities such as driving a vehicle, carrying goods, and looking for addresses but also mental capabilities such as communicating with customers and operating the shipping application. However, work as a courier often causes health problems, including physical and mental fatigue, which can increase the risk of accidents.

Background

The courier profession is a physically demanding job that requires individuals to work long hours, often in challenging conditions. The physical demands of the job, including driving, lifting, and carrying heavy packages, can lead to physical fatigue, while the mental demands, including communicating with customers and managing shipping applications, can lead to mental fatigue. Furthermore, the pressure to meet deadlines and deliver packages on time can lead to work stress, which can exacerbate physical and mental fatigue.

Purpose and Research Questions

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of workload and work stress on the work fatigue of the expedition courier in Banda Aceh in 2023. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following research questions:

What is the relationship between physical workload and work fatigue among expedition couriers in Banda Aceh?
What is the relationship between mental workload and work fatigue among expedition couriers in Banda Aceh?
What is the relationship between work stress and work fatigue among expedition couriers in Banda Aceh?

Methodology

This study uses a quantitative design with a latitude cutting method involving 75 couriers as a sample. Data analysis was carried out using multiple logistics regression tests. The study collected data on physical workload, mental workload, work stress, and work fatigue among expedition couriers in Banda Aceh.

Results

The results of the study showed that there was a significant influence between the physical workload and the work fatigue of the courier (p-value = 0.004) as well as the effect of mental workload on courier work fatigue (p-value = 0.002). However, there was no significant effect of work stress on work fatigue (p-value = 0.300).

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of balanced workload management to maintain the health and safety of the courier. The study suggests that physical workload has a significant impact on work fatigue among expedition couriers, while mental workload also plays a significant role. However, work stress was found to have no significant effect on work fatigue.

Implications

The implications of this study are significant for shipping companies and policymakers. The study suggests that shipping companies should consider policies that can improve courier welfare, such as providing additional time for the courier to complete shipping, especially when the package load increases. Additionally, the study recommends that couriers should be able to take advantage of their breaks well, eating healthy food, and adopting a healthy lifestyle such as stretching after work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combination of proper workload management and attention to physical health and mental courier can contribute to the company's operational efficiency. By doing the right steps, both the shipping company and the courier itself can achieve optimal performance without sacrificing health. This effort is not only beneficial for couriers, but also for customer satisfaction and the sustainability of the shipping business in this digital era.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Shipping companies should consider policies that can improve courier welfare, such as providing additional time for the courier to complete shipping, especially when the package load increases.
Couriers should be able to take advantage of their breaks well, eating healthy food, and adopting a healthy lifestyle such as stretching after work.
Shipping companies should create a positive and supportive work environment to reduce the potential for stress.
Policymakers should consider implementing policies that can improve the working conditions of expedition couriers, such as providing training on physical and mental health, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only focused on expedition couriers in Banda Aceh, and the findings may not be generalizable to other regions or countries. Secondly, the study used a quantitative design, which may not capture the complexities of the issue. Finally, the study only collected data on physical workload, mental workload, work stress, and work fatigue, and did not collect data on other potential factors that may influence work fatigue.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to address the limitations of this study. For example, future studies could use a mixed-methods design to capture the complexities of the issue, and collect data on other potential factors that may influence work fatigue. Additionally, future studies could focus on other regions or countries to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Q: What is work fatigue, and how does it affect expedition couriers?

A: Work fatigue refers to the physical and mental exhaustion that can result from prolonged periods of work, particularly in physically demanding jobs like expedition couriering. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased risk of accidents, and negative impacts on overall health and well-being.

Q: What are the main causes of work fatigue among expedition couriers?

A: The main causes of work fatigue among expedition couriers include physical workload, mental workload, and work stress. Physical workload refers to the physical demands of the job, such as driving, lifting, and carrying heavy packages. Mental workload refers to the mental demands of the job, such as communicating with customers and managing shipping applications. Work stress refers to the pressure to meet deadlines and deliver packages on time.

Q: How can shipping companies reduce work fatigue among expedition couriers?

A: Shipping companies can reduce work fatigue among expedition couriers by implementing policies that improve courier welfare, such as providing additional time for the courier to complete shipping, especially when the package load increases. They can also provide training on physical and mental health, and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Q: What are some strategies that expedition couriers can use to manage work fatigue?

A: Expedition couriers can use several strategies to manage work fatigue, including taking regular breaks, eating healthy food, and adopting a healthy lifestyle such as stretching after work. They can also prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and seek support from colleagues and supervisors when needed.

Q: How can policymakers address the issue of work fatigue among expedition couriers?

A: Policymakers can address the issue of work fatigue among expedition couriers by implementing policies that improve working conditions, such as providing training on physical and mental health, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. They can also establish regulations that protect the rights of expedition couriers, such as providing adequate rest periods and ensuring safe working conditions.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of work fatigue among expedition couriers?

A: The long-term consequences of work fatigue among expedition couriers can be severe, including decreased productivity, increased risk of accidents, and negative impacts on overall health and well-being. It can also lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and increased turnover rates.

Q: How can expedition couriers prioritize their physical and mental health?

A: Expedition couriers can prioritize their physical and mental health by taking regular breaks, eating healthy food, and adopting a healthy lifestyle such as stretching after work. They can also prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and seek support from colleagues and supervisors when needed.

Q: What are some resources available to help expedition couriers manage work fatigue?

A: There are several resources available to help expedition couriers manage work fatigue, including employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health resources, and physical health resources. Expedition couriers can also seek support from colleagues and supervisors, and prioritize their physical and mental health.

Q: How can shipping companies measure the effectiveness of their policies to reduce work fatigue among expedition couriers?

A: Shipping companies can measure the effectiveness of their policies to reduce work fatigue among expedition couriers by tracking metrics such as productivity, accident rates, and employee satisfaction. They can also conduct regular surveys and focus groups to gather feedback from expedition couriers and identify areas for improvement.

Q: What are some best practices for managing work fatigue among expedition couriers?

A: Some best practices for managing work fatigue among expedition couriers include providing regular breaks, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and prioritizing physical and mental health. Shipping companies can also establish policies that support courier welfare, such as providing additional time for the courier to complete shipping, especially when the package load increases.