There is a reason why fleet managers tend to be stressed. Management is a career that takes on more responsibility as well as liability. Management is also a complex and multifaceted task that requires a range of skills and abilities. No wonder managers are always pulling out their hair. Managers must be operating as efficiently as possible to allocate their time and resources toward positive outcomes for the company and employees.
Workplace Culture
Drivers are working in a very high-stress environment. Most drivers experience burnout from long drives, frustrating traffic, and poor weather conditions. Drivers also experience extended isolation from their drives, which can affect overall their mental health. Boosting drivers’ morale will, not only, lead to better performance, but will keep drivers within the organization; decreasing the companies’ turnover rates.
Workplace culture plays a huge role in keeping drivers’ morale healthy. However, boosting morale and creating a positive workplace culture can be a difficult task, especially when enacting new workplace habits. Managers are critical to setting expectations and leading a workplace culture that keeps drivers motivated. Communication is the first step in improving workplace culture and morale. Increasing communication cuts out confusion and frustration that hurts morale while simultaneously improving the workplace culture.
Workplace culture should place an emphasis on safety and productivity. Which ties into driver stress. As mentioned, safety concerns can lead to a noteworthy amount of stress. Prioritizing vehicle maintenance and driver safety by making vehicle and driver safety a part of the culture in the workplace will decrease stress about accidents and enhance compliance.
Some issues are inevitable, however, managers have the power and responsibility to ease worker stress by creating a culture that values and empowers employees. As a manager, always recognize drivers and communicate that they are valued by the company. Appreciation can go a long way.
Leadership
Anyone can be in charge but not everyone can be a leader. When taking on any managerial position leadership is essential. In order to create a work culture that prioritizes safety and productivity, the manager must be respected. To earn the respect of drivers, a manager must be efficient, organized, and run the fleet as smoothly as possible. Managers also must take initiative and implement steps to improve their fleet.
Improve Driver Accountability
When running a fleet, managers must make sure that drivers are following laws and regulations. Yes, the driver holds a responsibility to be compliant with DOT regulations. However, the company has a bigger responsibility of making sure drivers are compliant because those drivers represent the company. Driver accountability is extremely important and this is another time when workplace culture can make an impact.
Software for Fleet Maintenance
When management has a full plate, management should not waste time on tasks that can be completed with technology. Fleet maintenance software will take care of a variety of tasks such as preventative maintenance, reporting, and work orders. Spreadsheets and piles of paper consume pointless hours and waste time for managers, fleet maintenance software provides a paperless solution. Fleet maintenance software will digitize inspections and reporting, allowing managers to spend precious hours on other tasks.
Not only will managers save time with fleet maintenance software but fleet maintenance software will make the fleet maintenance process much more efficient and simple, inherently making the fleet compliant and safe. The safety that fleet maintenance software provides will boost driver morale by making drivers feel protected. Fleet maintenance software also increases communication among staff cutting out confusion and frustrations. The increased communication is a start to creating a healthy workplace culture that will also boost the morale of drivers as well as hold drivers accountable. Taking initiative and implementing fleet maintenance software will gain fleet managers more respect from their staff, making the manager a leader, not just a boss.
Overall, fleet management is complex and multi-faceted, making management no easy task. Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and productivity can boost morale among drivers. Fleet managers must operate as a leader, not a boss, to gain the respect and trust of employees. Fleet maintenance software not only makes the fleet maintenance process easier but management as a whole.
