Communicating to your employees that their location and driving behaviour is being tracked can be an uncomfortable conversation. Let’s face it – the bottom line is that nobody likes to be tracked. Even if your employees are not doing anything wrong – and most aren’t, being tracked feels like an invasion of privacy which in turn will lead to trust issues. Drivers not only want their privacy but their managers’ trust, but fleet managers need to ensure that they are protected. Drivers, of course, have valid concerns, but there are numerous catalogued benefits to tracking driver behaviour that everyone should appreciate. If a fleet is looking to begin tracking, they must approach it properly to ensure drivers are comfortable with the transition and know precisely what is going on. Here are a few simple tips on how to talk to your drivers about GPS tracking without having them feel like big brother is watching their every move.
Explain the Big Picture
The most unproductive thing that can happen is drivers believing one thing and finding out something else is true down the line. Any miscommunication will certainly lead to distrust and damage self-esteem, so it is crucial to be honest. Being honest with your employees about tracking their driving behaviour shows that you respect them as members of your company. Furthermore, being honest lets them know right off the bat what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how it will affect them, so there will be barrage of questions coming in after implementation which in turn will help to understand.
Explain why
Employees aren’t children who can needs to be monitored 24×7. They will respond better if they know why you are making changes. First, any fleet management should explain the benefits that management gets out of tracking driver behaviour. explain these benefits in greater detail, like fewer costly accidents, a more productive fleet, and fewer vehicle breakdowns.
Next, explain the benefits for drivers. Drivers will be safer, can enjoy rewards programs, and get more extensive training to add to their driving skills resume. If drivers can see all of the advantages of implementing driver behaviour tracking, they will better understand why you are implementing it.
Explain what
Drivers will feel a lot more comfortable working with a system that they understand. Show them how tracking works, preferably on both the management and driver’s sides, before installing it in fleet vehicles. They will have a better idea of precisely what the system tracks, and how they can use the system to improve. If they ever have any questions about how things work along the way, you can show them different aspects of the software so that they fully understand.
Benefits of Tracking Behaviour
There are many benefits of tracking driving behaviour some are listed below
Improved cognitive Safety: Recording fewer frequent mistakes and coaching on fixing them improves safety for both the driver and everyone else on the road.
Improved condition of vehicle: Driving behaviours like harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and idling cause wear and tear on vehicles, and eliminating these behaviours will reduce the need for maintenance and the risk of breakdowns.
Increased Productivity: With fewer accidents, cars and drivers spend less time off the road and more time working, which leads to higher production.
Less system Bottlenecks: With actual data at their fingertips, managers can do analysis what issues staff has and what training drivers need that too in real time.
Certified Good Driving: Good drivers have data to prove that they are safe and effective behind the wheel.
Conclusion
Beginning this conversation with your drivers can be challenging, but it is essential to maintain a positive and healthy relationship with them. Being open and honest about significant changes shows your respect. Tracking driver behaviour keeps drivers safe and businesses thriving. Trusted by some of the best brands to date, we are confident that PMISTrack will live up to your fleet management commitments. Sign up for the 14 days free DEMO now!