Objective: The use of motorcycles in commercial transportation is increasing due to its comfortable use in congested traffic conditions and the ease of parking on narrow streets. Motorcycle couriers are among the important members of the delivery industry. The race against time and delivering on time bring along many problems. This study aims to examine the relationships between perceived organizational support, colleague value and stress in motor courier employees.
Method: Within the scope of the study, 151 motorcycle couriers working in the delivery sector were selected. The study was carried out in the period of June-November 2022. In addition to 15 questions including demographic characteristics with the one-to-one interview method, Spielberger's State and Trait Anxiety Scale, The Perceived Organizational Support Scale and The Coworker Support Scale were applied with the one-to-one interview method.
Results: The average age of the 151 couriers included in the study was 29.10 ± 7.01; the working year was 3.26 ± 3.39; the average number of daily trips was 36.47 ± 17.37; the average delivery time was 16.54 ± 10.10 in minutes (median 15); and the average weight of the cargo was 4.94 ± 5.51 (kg) (median: 3.50). The prevalence of occupational accidents in the last year has been 43.3% (n = 61). Examining the causes of the prevalence of accident among the study population, it was found that motorcycle overturning was 20 (32.8%); vehicle hitting the motorcycle was 26 (42.6%); motorcycle hitting the vehicle was 15 (24.6%). When the factors affecting the perceived organizational support were examined, it was found that those with a colleague social support score above 18 were more likely to have an organizational perception score above 80 (95% CI 1.001-4.843) with a rate of [OR] = 2.20 times higher, and those with a status anxiety score above 40 were more likely to have an organizational perception score over 80 with a rate of [OR] = 2.49 times higher (95% CI: 1.156-5.364). In addition, it was seen that the probability of having an organizational perception score above 80 was [OR] = 0.42 times higher (95%CI: 0.200-0.889) in participants who had a work accident.
Conclusions: The intense pace of work and the pressure of fast delivery increase couriers' state and trait concerns. Developing policies to improve the psychosocial working environment for a more decent and healthier working environment that improves the mental health and well-being of couriers is recommended. Commercial food ordering platforms must treat driver safety as important when determining delivery times.
Keywords: Motor courier employees; anxiety; colleague support; occupational health; traffic injury; work accidents.