The trucking industry is at an all-time shortage of drivers. As companies continue to struggle with recruitment and retaining quality employees, those that are not struggling have developed a winning combination of perks or benefits that will attract quality workers and retain them for the long haul. Developing a formula is a constant evolution that must change and grow as companies do. Creativity is a must.
Be Creative
Paying someone the highest possible wage does not always attract quality and reduce turnover. Before all of this is established, having a well-developed company policy and procedure manual is key to retaining key employees. Like anyone would, employees want to feel their sense of importance to the success of the team. Providing reviews, establishing goals and tracking improvement is a good way to hold people accountable. Having a manager that not only understands company policies, but also appreciates the employees is the start to this. Disciplinary items need to be handled as promptly as a reward.
Promoting Team Work
A team is always stronger than a group of individuals. Promote teamwork when possible. One way we do this is by having employees hold each other accountable in return for a group reward. We divide the entire company into teams, chosen by elected captains. These teams will compete for a period of six consecutive months. We have a safety bonus program that each employee participates in monthly. All team members will add together their cumulative safety bonus record and at the end of six months, each member of the winning team will receive a financial bonus. The plan is to create a safe work environment, while offering a goal worth shooting for.
Extra Benefits
Having benefits, including Health and Life insurance, along with 401(k) plans will also develop loyalty from employees. At Florida Express Environmental, based on tenure, we have different levels of company contribution to retirement plans and yearly bonuses. We have many employees that have been a part of our work family for more than 10 years. Their yearly accrual of paid leave also grows parallel to their tenure in years. We have safety incentivized company paid vacations out for employees to earn should they meet criteria only achieved with a consistent 0-accident, 0-incident, 0-injury record.
There is no crystal ball with what works and what doesn’t to retain and attract employees. I would encourage getting to know your staff and developing your own formula for motivation. Good luck to all in 2017. May it be a successful year for everyone! | WA
John Paglia, III is a 4th generation garbage man. Before he climbed the ranks to become Florida Express Environmental’s (Ocala, FL) General Manager, he had a successful career in college and professional athletics. John has been around the garbage industry since his car seat days. Currently, John is focused on growing his company and offering the highest level of customer service and prolonging the world we live in today. John wakes up every day knowing the impact professional haulers have on their community is far greater than most realize. He can be reached at (352) 629-4349, e-mail John3@floridaexpress. us or visit www.floridaexpress.us.