When last did you thank your drivers to boost their morale?
If you haven’t done so yet, it’s time to do it now. In fact, this year’s national truck driver appreciation week is just around the corner – September 13 to 19.
Driving a truck is one of the most demanding and important jobs in America right now, and there are over 3.5 million commercial drivers in the US according to the United States Census Bureau. As America and the world deal with the coronavirus pandemic and life being altered, these commercial drivers are risking their lives to deliver products to customers on time.
So, in these challenging times, it’s more important than ever for field service businesses to go the extra mile to show their appreciation and support for their drivers to boost morale.
Below are some tips on how you can prove to your drivers that they are valued.
Show Them Appreciation for their Work
People want to be appreciated for the work they do. Just speaking individually to your drivers and telling them how much you value their efforts in these trying times will make them feel good. Try to shine the spotlight on them so that everybody in the company appreciates the work they are doing and the risks they are taking.
Also, driving for long hours is not easy, especially when there is the added pressure to reach more customers in a short time. Sometimes drivers have no option but to work extra hours. This increases the risks of distracted driving.
In fact, according to a recent report by the National Safety Council, US roadways have become deadlier during the coronavirus pandemic. So, a simple thank you from your side for driving safely will make your drivers realize that you understand how difficult their job is.
Many businesses are taking it one step further by using route optimization software to plan the most efficient routes for their drivers. In this way, the drivers have well-optimized routes to cover more stops without hassles, are less frustrated as they’re not getting stuck on the road, make more money, and are generally happy.
Also, the best route planners come with AI-powered driving technology that helps drivers stay more focussed and keep them safe on the road.
Finally, simply thank them for the small things like proper usage of the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal conveyance.
Build Relationships with Your Drivers
Don’t treat your drivers as just subordinates; treat them as equals by learning about their interests, family, friends, and personal accomplishments.
In this way, you can appreciate them for more than just their commitment to their work and mentally bond with them to build long-lasting relationships.
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Give Bonuses to the Drivers
If you support your drivers in this tough time, they will prove essential to ensure the sustainability and growth of your business. So, many companies are giving their drivers bonuses to show their appreciation for the extra work they are doing.
For example, J.B. Hunt Transport, one of North America’s biggest supply chain solutions providers, has given $500 bonus checks to their drivers.
Amazon has also recently announced that they would spend $500 million on “thank you bonuses” for front line workers who stood with the company through June, including the drivers.
Give the Drivers Extra Days off
Drivers appreciate extra holidays. Even though this year is not great for traveling, many people may still feel the need to spend more time with their families.
So, one way you can show your appreciation to your drivers who have put in extra hours is by giving them a break of an extra day or two. This will also increase their productivity as they will come back refreshed.
Give the Drivers Gifts
Gifts delight people, even if it’s not huge. Simple considerations like gifting your drivers’ essential items, such as canned food, coffee, cleaning wipes, and disinfectant spray which they don’t have time to go to the stores and pick up themselves, can make them feel as though you care about them.
You can go a step further and give them restaurant gift cards so that they can treat themselves to great meals on you. Good food can certainly liven up people during these tough times.
Notably, Mark Cuban has been reimbursing all his employees who eat lunch at locally owned, independent restaurants during the coronavirus outbreak.
You can even give personal gifts like watches to motivate drivers to continue the good work that they are doing for you.
Final Thoughts
A well-meant thank you and public praise will go a long way to make your drivers understand that you value their hard work. And, when they feel valued, they will stand by you.
So, how do you plan to appreciate your drivers? Please feel free to leave your comments below.
Want To See For Yourself How Route4Me Can Boost Your Profits?
Whether you want to slash the time it takes you to plan routes for your drivers, increase the number of stops they can make, or keep your customers satisfied knowing that your drivers show up on time… Route4Me helps you achieve that!
