In the US, 67% of small and medium-sized businesses reported difficulties in hiring and retaining talented employees in 2018. What will bring down that number? Often, it is basic happiness. Very few employers take into consideration the factors that make employees happy.
Spectra360 has spent several years working with truckers and placing them in positions with some of the nation’s largest logistics companies. Retention is one of our guiding principles, so keeping drivers happy is always at the forefront for us.
Driver retention is a constant battle for trucking companies with annual turnover rates as high as 98%. Here are four ways to boost morale and ensure you have happy drivers and a pleasant company.
Communication Is Key
It’s pretty simple: excellent communication translates to driver happiness.
When people feel informed, they feel valued. By providing a space where every driver knows what to expect, you’re going to encounter far fewer problems. Even the negatives are better said than left unsaid. When a driver is kept in the loop, they’re able to know precisely where they stand.
When we’re left in the dark, we often assume the worst, which leads to a negative snowball effect. That’s why constant communication is critical. A reassured driver is a happy driver.
Praise and reward top talent
We all like to be told we’re doing an excellent job from time to time. If you talk to your drivers more, you’ll also find yourself praising them more often. Even the smallest “thank you” can go a long way. As the saying goes – good manners cost nothing.
It’s nice to know your hard work and dedication isn’t going unnoticed, and it’s even nicer when it’s appreciated. So how about publicly praising your top performers every so often?
Rather than warning those who are underperforming, start rewarding those who are exceeding expectations. Just a tiny bit of recognition, and you’ll begin to see morale change. Those who miss out will have a greater desire to improve if they know they’ll be getting something out of it.
Offer Obvious Advancements
No employee wants to feel like they’re stuck in the same job. Drivers feel happier if they know there’s an obvious next step. Companies that provide ample opportunities for advancement will be the ones that have the happiest drivers.
A business should make sure they’re drivers aware of potential openings through in-house newsletters and emails. If you’re committed to seeing your drivers rise the ranks, they’ll stay motivated in their current role, knowing it’s only a matter of time before moving up.
Provide Constant Training
By encouraging drivers to improve themselves, a company can actively show their commitment and dedication to a particular driver. By offering regular employee training, a driver can feel like part of a business’s long term plans.
Drivers will be happy and reassured if they see their managers investing time and effort into them. Offering advanced driver training maximizes both safety and morale.
If you are in the market for a new job to improve your happiness and put your Commercial Driver’s License to work, Spectra360 has many openings for experienced and inexperienced drivers. Check out our opportunities, and let us help you secure the career you’ve always wanted!
