There is a lot of discussion lately surrounding driver turnover, shortage and retention, due to a very particular situation: a combination of ageing workforce, retirement, low number of qualified staff and some other factors.
Companies whose business relies on driving are therefore starting to focus on hiring strategies as well as focussing on retention, often underestimating the contribution that technology can make in encouraging drivers to stay. The truth is, when companies first think about fleet management systems and potential GPS tracking solutions, the Big Brother Stigma is ever present.
We have already examined how GPS tracking can actually benefit drivers and how it is advisable to introduce the idea of this technology before its full implementation; making sure everyone is aware of what is going to happen. But with this post we would like to focus on the benefits of these tools with regard to keeping your staff happy. Lots of drivers are becoming quite reluctant to take jobs now that technology has become some pervasive in the industry: they fear that too many aspects of their job will come under excessive control. The focus should instead be on the usefulness of the data obtained rather than pointing out misdemeanours; and if you get it right, fleet management software can be one of your top driver retention strategies.
Want to know how? Have a look at these points:
#1 - Be open to dialogue and share
Driving data obtained by telemetry is not frequently shared, and executive decisions are taken inside companies without fully explaining the reasons behind them. So be ready to share the newly available knowledge with drivers and they will come to realise how it can actually help them in their daily jobs.
#2 - Use scorecards and driver behaviour
This is a very important feature within the software that can help keep staff safe and motivated. Drivers are very proud of their job and always want to excel, so it is a very powerful tool for retention. And don’t forget to reward excellent conduct—you can use the driver challenge option with SynX in order to set up competitions with prizes.
#3 - Give drivers the whole picture
Driver training and internal meetings are never bad, but it is very important that you provide context for the information you deliver. For example, if you see recurring driving issues in specific areas, get feedback from the people on the road instead of just dispensing warnings—the “must do and don’t”s. If you create a dialogue with drivers you might even discover they can provide solutions, help you in rerouting, or offer you a more complete view of an issue.
#4 - Make driver’s life easier
From minimising the frequency of calls by using your PC to locate them, to diverting drivers to less trafficked areas or directing them if they are lost… there is a great deal of integrated tools in your GPS tracking software than can make their job much simpler. So… make sure you use them!
#5 - Have a 'techy' company
If you use technology in the right way and help your drivers perform their daily tasks well, these tools can become a useful aid for retention, empowering drivers and helping to create a more “fashionable”, technically savvy, brand for your company.
