When it comes to managing a successful logistics company, driver performance is crucial. Engaged and highly successful drivers ensure timely deliveries, strive for excellence in vehicle maintenance, and perpetuate high safety standards. But how can fleet managers and logistics operations leaders improve driver performance effectively? Here are five practical ways to drive better results from your team:
1. Schedule regular check-in conversations
Drivers in your fleet spend long periods on the road, as lone operators. This can lead to a lack of communication between drivers and their managers – and issues that impede performance can easily go unsolved. 27.9 per cent of drivers are suffering from loneliness and 26.9 per cent from depression. Regular check-ins help identify these wellbeing issues early on. Fleet managers should schedule frequent one-on-one meetings with drivers to touch base on their experiences, road conditions, and mental health – enabling proactivity when it comes to solving problems and providing support.
2. Give both constructive and positive feedback
72 per cent of employees thought their performance would improve with corrective feedback, according to the Harvard Business Review. You cannot expect your fleet to improve without telling them what they need to do better. However, overreliance on negative feedback runs the risk of discouraging your team. Leaders should also recognise what is done well, whether that is sticking to appointment times or taking good care of vehicles. Invest in a structured feedback system to enable both positive and negative feedback, and gather comments from everyone in the organisation – building a holistic view of driver performance, which can be used to motivate positive change.
3. Invest in upskilling
Regular training programmes keep drivers updated with the latest best practices and technological advancements. These programmes can cover a range of topics, from first-aid training to fuel-efficient driving habits. Upskilling can take the form of certification courses, but there are also opportunities for on-the-job training and peer mentorship. It is key, however, that any upskilling initiative is not ad hoc but monitored closely and aligned to each driver’s individual goals. For 59 per cent of employees in the sector, logistics is a long-term career choice rather than a short-term job opportunity. Investing in upskilling improves the quality of your operations, but it also helps further your drivers’ careers - boosting their experience as an employee and improving retention rates.
4. Create agile goals
Setting goals is essential, but rigid annual targets can sometimes be counterproductive. Agile goal-setting can lead to better performance and adaptability. By setting goals that can be achieved in weeks or even days, drivers have something more tangible to work towards, and are more likely to be focused and engaged. Setting goals on more of a short-term basis is also better suited to the fast-moving nature of the logistics industry, allowing for adjustments based on changing circumstances.
5. Encourage suggestions for change
Your employees are not mindless reports; they are important assets, for the knowledge they have regarding day-to-day business and their perspective regarding improvement opportunities. It is important that you regularly mine their know-how to drive your performance strategy. Provide a safe space for employees to voice ideas or concerns. Then, actively implement feasible suggestions. Through this, you understand how to best support professional development. Drivers are also more likely to contribute positively when they see their ideas being taken seriously and put into action.
Encouraging your drivers to fulfil their potential is crucial, not just for the efficiency of your fleet but for your duty of care to your workforce. Improve your driver performance by implementing a holistic strategy of engagement, encouragement and communication. If a workforce is not being constantly pushed forward and inspired to do better, there is a risk of stagnation and a decrease in drive. Do not let this happen, and instead foster a culture of continuous improvement.
OneAdvanced’s Performance & Talent is a continuous performance management software solution that facilitates all the positive actions outlined above. It includes capabilities for:
- Real-time feedback
- Agile goal setting
- Capturing employee conservations more effectively
- Ability to collate comments from individuals inside and outside the company (360 feedback)
- Cloud-based access – perfect for desk-free employees
- Engagement survey capabilities
Book a demo with us to find out more.
Want to learn more about the challenges and opportunities related to managing your desk-free workers, like drivers? Check out our latest guide: Desk-free workers: The asset businesses cannot afford to lose