Quality of work community and workers’ intention to retire

Purpose To study the workers’ perception of the quality of work community and its association with intention to retire early, separately among women and men working in Finnish postal service. Methods A questionnaire survey was sent to all Finnish postal services employees aged ≥ 50 years in 2016 and 44% (n = 2096) replied to the survey (mean age 56.3, 40% women). Employee’s intention to retire before statutory retirement was measured on a scale of 1–5 and dichotomized. The quality of work community was defined by four composite variables: equality at work, flexibility at work, supportive work environment and health or other reason and trichotomized by their tercile values. Odds ratio (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of quality of work community with intention to retire were calculated separately for men and women using log binomial regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results About one-third of respondents intended to retire early with no significant gender difference in retirement intention. Low equality at work (women OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.60–4.81; men 2.84, 1.80–4.48) and low flexibility at work (women 3.30, 1.94–5.60; men 2.91, 1.88–4.50) was associated with higher likelihood of intention to retire. Among women intention to retire was found less likely due to low supportive work environment (0.52, 0.31–0.89) and among men due to intermediate health or other reason (0.65, 043–0.98). Conclusion The results highlight the importance of the quality of work community as well as the promotion of work-related health in order to encourage employees to remain at workforce for longer.

A genetic algorithm for vehicle routing in logistic networks with practical constraints

We optimise a postal delivery problem with time and capacity constraints imposed on vehicles and nodes of the logistic network. Time constraints relate to the duration of routes, whereas capacity constraints concern technical characteristics of vehicles and postal operation outlets. We consider a method which can be applied to a brownfield scenario, in which capacities of outlets can be relaxed and prospective hubs identified. As a solution, we apply a genetic algorithm and test its properties both in small case studies and in a simulated problem instance of a larger (i.e. comparable with real-world instances) size. We show that the genetic operators we employ are capable of switching between solutions based on direct origin-to-destination routes and solutions based on transfer connections, depending on what is more beneficial in a given problem instance. Moreover, the algorithm correctly identifies cases in which volumes should be shipped directly, and those in which it is optimal to use transfer connections within a single problem instance, if an instance in question requires such a selection for optimality. The algorithm is thus suitable for determining hubs and satellite locations. All considerations presented in this paper are motivated by real-life problem instances experienced by the Polish Post, the largest postal service provider in Poland, in its daily plans of delivering postal packages, letters and pallets.

The master narrative of older employees in changing workplaces

PurposeInterest in older employees increases in times of population ageing. Previous research exploring the situation has underlined older employees' struggle with workplace changes. However, it has not explored their master narrative – the socially shared narrative about older employees that steers behaviour. This study explores this narrative and its differences across changing workplaces. It draws on Lyotard's suggestion that master narratives disintegrate in post-modern societies.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducts focus groups among older Finnish employees of an airline, postal service and social care. These groups experienced different kinds of workplace changes, namely mass layoffs, digitalisation and restructuring. The focus groups highlight the individuals' shared narratives, thereby pinpointing the master narrative.FindingsThe master narrative describes how simultaneous changes at the workplace and in their health lead older employees to look for ways to exit their jobs. This narrative is largely stable across workplaces, showing no disintegration but some variation.Originality/valueThis is the first study on the master narrative of older employees and its disintegration. To the authors’ knowledge, it is also the first study to use focus groups to explore a master narrative.

Online Based Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Data Exchange System Design with EDI Method

During the Covid 19 pandemic, every individual is required to be more creative in carrying out every activity and not make a distance as the reason an activity cannot be carried out. Documentation data, which is usually sent manually by post, will experience difficulties at this time. This research will discuss other ways that can be done to ensure the data exchange process of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PT. Bank XYZ with partners. The solution that can be implemented is to use the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) method. EDI is an online-based data exchange method. In other words, the method of exchanging data via postal service is not necessary. Based on this research, the EDI method can meet users' needs in terms of exchanging or sending documentary data on the MOU between PT. Bank XYZ with partners. The method used in building this system design is analyzing the running system and designing the system with UML tools. The final result of the validation test of the system design through the FGD method states that the e-approval system application design of the MOU is by the specifications of the functional requirements required by the user.

Pendampingan Kajian Revisi Peraturan Menteri Komunikasi Dan Informatika Nomor 22 Tahun 2013

The purpose of this community service activity is to assist in the study of the revision of the text of the Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation regarding the implementation of Universal Postal Services in accordance with the Act. In addition to these objectives, it also includes a draft regulatory text that includes the following criteria: mechanism, program planning, monitoring, supervision, verification and evaluation so as to create an accountable LPU implementation. The method of community service activities is carried out descriptively with a survey approach to several locations for the Universal Postal Service, through several stages including: preparation, collection of related data and information, data processing and analysis, preparation of technical recommendations as well as discussions, socialization and recommendations. In the implementation process, activities are carried out starting from collecting field verification data and documents, data processing and analysis, as well as compiling PM LPU revisions. The PKM activities carried out provide benefits in the form of producing a text of the Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation on the implementation of Universal Postal Services that is in line with the Law. Through the implementation of PKM, it is hoped that the postal administration is in accordance with the expectations and needs of the community, the Government needs to take concrete and quite populist steps to support the postal administration to be carried out properly, effectively, efficiently and accountably, including the need to provide guidance and protection for postal operators, determine requirements strict rules for the feasibility of postal operators, guarantees for the reliability of products and types of postal services, preventing monopolistic practices in postal administration and community participation in postal operations.