DFS are the leading upholstery retailer in the UK, passionate about making and selling high-quality sofas, since 1969. Their success lies in their ability to manufacture and deliver from within the UK using their dedicated workforce.
Handling sofas is heavy hard work, coupled with a rise in competition for skilled drivers and delivery teams were beginning to present real employee sickness and retention issues. Alex Salden (DFS Group Supply Chain and Logistics Director) approached Response to see if there was anything we could do to help promote a reduction in absenteeism.
We worked with DFS senior management team to gain a detailed and fundamental understanding of their business operations and employees working patterns within their day to day roles. We identified the critical elements that must be in place to help the organisation function, looking at ways for employees to move better and reduce risk from work-related MSK issues. We identified several key areas associated with the routines surrounding lifting, loading and the actual deliveries. We are passionate about helping businesses achieve what they need to do and seek to offer achievable solutions to enhance operational efficiencies.
Our team of specialist MSK experts developed a comprehensive solution based on our three stages of MSK pain management. The first phase, prevention; we designed a series of DFS bespoke 20 minutes ‘in a nutshell’ training sessions, delivered both on-site and virtually, to aid a greater understanding of self-management techniques and promote personal responsibility. The second phase, we implemented an open-access virtual service designed to help the line management team with unplanned MSK absence. In the third phase, we implemented a series of on-site face to face clinics for clinical interventions (diagnosis and treatment). The results have been outstanding; employee engagement scores have risen, retention has improved, and unplanned absence has reduced dramatically.
We’re now in our third year of the programme, and DFS regard their relationship with Response Physio & Sports Therapy as key to their overall EVP and Wellbeing strategy.