The challenge

Manual handling plays a role in almost every part of the DFS business – from manufacturing and warehousing to delivery, retail, and service teams. With such varied environments and tasks, DFS wanted to build a consistent understanding of what good manual handling looks like in every role.

The aim was to move beyond tick-box training and instead shape real, lasting behaviours. Colleagues needed clarity, relatable examples, and space for meaningful discussion. To help individuals and teams apply safe habits day-to-day and take pride in doing the right thing.

The outcome 

As the programme rolls out, we’ll continue to check in with DFS to gather feedback and insights from workshops. The goal is a consistent, confident approach to manual handling that protects people, strengthens safety cultures, and builds pride in doing the right thing every day.

Our solution

We designed a blended learning experience grounded in DFS environments and real work. The programme starts with an interactive conversation starter to spark meaningful discussions about safe movement and personal responsibility.

They will then roll out the training workshop, focusing on the essentials of manual handling in an engaging and relatable way, suitable for all colleagues across DFS. This includes ‘The Life of a Sofa’ animation showing a sofa’s journey and all the manual handling touchpoints along the way. Learners then explore role-specific scenarios – from warehouse lifts to in-home sofa delivery – showcasing safe techniques and positive behaviours in action.

To embed learning, teams use shared workbooks to encourage active reflection and discussion, and every learner took away a printed pocket guide.