7 Ways Trucking Companies Can Build Healthy Work Environments
Healthy work environments are important for any company. In today’s job market more and more potential employees are prioritizing working for a company that promotes a healthy work culture/environment. This healthy work environment is especially important for trucking companies. Why? Because the trucking industry has one of the highest rates of employee turnover. In fact, the average turnover rate for trucking companies is 91 percent! That means that for every 100 drivers a trucking company hires, 91 of them will leave within a year.
That statistic is crazy when you really think about it. As an owner you may have experienced this high turnover firsthand. This fact can really take a toll on a trucking company, constantly having to onboard new drivers to replace ones that left. Losing experienced drivers that you could rely on. High turnover can really cause damage to a company. One of the best ways to combat high turnover rates is to create a healthy work environment. A healthy work environment is one where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. When employees feel like they’re part of a team and that their work is meaningful, they’re more likely to stick around. So how can trucking companies create healthy work environments? Here are seven ideas:
1. Promote open communication.
Open communication is key to any healthy relationship, and that includes the employer-employee relationship. Employees should feel like they can come to their supervisors with any concerns or questions they have. Supervisors should also make an effort to check in with employees on a regular basis to see how they’re doing both professionally and personally.
2. Encourage a healthy lifestyle.
It is no secret that trucking can be a sedentary job. Due to this it is important for trucking companies to encourage their employees to lead healthy lifestyles.
This could include things like providing a wellness program, on-site gyms, offering discounts at local fitness centers, or hosting wellness challenges amongst employees. When employees are physically healthy, they’re more likely to be mentally and emotionally healthy as well—and that’s good for business.
Also, drivers who stay in good physical shape and eat healthier meals are less likely to fall asleep at the wheel, and that’s not the only benefit of encouraging physical activity among truckers.
There are plenty of other reasons to encourage drivers to get up and move around, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. For example, studies have shown that regular exercise can improve mental health, increase energy levels, and reduce stress.
So, if you’re looking for ways to improve safety on the roads and boost morale among your drivers, encouraging physical activity is a good place to start. And who knows? You might even find that your drivers are more productive when they’re feeling fit and healthy.
3. Offer flexible schedules.
Trucking is a demanding job, and drivers often have to be on the road for long periods of time. That’s why it’s important for trucking companies to offer flexible schedules when possible. This could mean allowing drivers to take longer breaks between trips or giving them more control over their schedules. When employees have some flexibility in their schedules, they’re more likely to be happy and productive at work leading to lower turnover.
4. Support employee development.
Employees who feel like they’re constantly learning and growing are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to their employer. That’s why it’s important for trucking companies to invest in employee development initiatives like mentorship programs, educational opportunities, and career advancement programs. When employees feel like there’s room for them to grow within the company, they’re more likely to stick around for the long haul.
5. Recognize achievements big and small.
Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and truckers are no exception. It’s important for employers to recognize their employees’ achievements—big and small—to show them that their hard work is valued. This could include things like, implementing a reward based system for when an employee hits a milestone, having pay incentives or simply supplying the team with lunch periodically. Whatever form it takes, recognition is an important part of creating a healthy work environment in all industries.
6. Provide support for Mental Health.
As anyone who has ever driven in heavy traffic knows, trucking is a tough gig. Drivers are often forced to spend long hours on the road, dealing with traffic, bad weather, and sometimes less-than-perfect working conditions. It’s no wonder that mental health issues are common among truckers.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s something that trucking companies should take seriously. Drivers who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues may find it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. As a result, they may be more likely to make mistakes or get into accidents.
To support the mental health of their drivers, trucking companies should provide access to mental health resources such as counseling services or employee assistance programs. In addition, drivers should be encouraged to take breaks during their shifts to relieve stress and clear their minds.
7. Promote Work-Life Balance.
It can be difficult for truck drivers to maintain a healthy work-life balance due to the nature of their job. However, it’s important for trucking companies to promote this balance as much as possible. Some ways to do this include flexible scheduling, offering paid time off or vacation time to your employees or offering transportation to employees in need of it so they can visit family in-between scheduled loads.
In addition to these benefits, drivers should also be encouraged to disconnect from work when they’re not on the clock. Simply stressing that they do not check work correspondence after hours or take calls when off duty can help separate work and personal life. Everyone needs some time to relax and recharge, and it’s important that truck drivers have this opportunity as well.
A healthy work environment is essential for any company, but it’s especially important for trucking companies. Drivers are on the road for long periods of time, which can lead to physical and mental health problems if they don’t have a good support system. Fortunately, there are a number of things that trucking companies can do to build a healthier work environment for their drivers. By implementing a few of the tips above, trucking companies can create a healthier environment for their employees and combat the high turnover rate that the trucking industry faces each year.
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