Employee engagement is particularly important with Bus Drivers due to the unique challenges and dynamics that the often-remote work presents. Here are points to consider when evaluating whether an Employee App could benefit your Transport business.
Maintaining Connection to the Company:
Drivers may feel disconnected from the company’s culture, mission, and values. Engaged employees tend to have a stronger sense of belonging and are more likely to align themselves with the organisation’s goals even when they are physically distant.
Performance and Productivity:
Engaged drivers are generally more motivated and committed to their work. They are likely to put in the effort required to maintain the target service levels even with limited interaction with the depot.
Retention and Loyalty:
Organisations that prioritise employee engagement tend to have higher retention rates. Driver shortages is an ongoing challenge for the Bus & Coach Industry as they compete with delivery companies, construction and jobs with comparable salaries for less demanding work. Engaged remote employees are more likely to stay with the company over the long term, reducing turnover and the associated costs of recruitment and training.
Collaboration and Communication:
Remote work relies heavily on effective communication and collaboration tools. Engaged employees are more likely to actively participate in discussions, share ideas, and collaborate with their colleagues, enhancing overall team productivity if they have an Employee App on their phones.
Reduced Social Interaction:
Driving a bus can be isolating, as employees miss out on the casual interactions and camaraderie that naturally occur in a traditional depot setting. Engaged employees are more likely to actively seek out and participate in virtual social interactions, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Autonomy and Trust:
Remote work often involves a higher level of autonomy. Engaged employees are better equipped to handle this autonomy responsibly, as they are committed to their roles and understand the importance of their contributions to the team’s success. If Managers can trust their team, they can focus on supporting rather than disciplining their Drivers.
Wellness and Work-Life Balance:
Employee engagement is closely linked to employee well-being. When employees are engaged, they tend to prioritize work-life balance and manage their workload effectively, reducing the risk of burnout and enhancing their overall mental and emotional well-being.
Feedback and Development:
Engaged employees actively seek feedback to improve their skills and performance. Remote work can sometimes lead to a lack of feedback due to the absence of face-to-face interactions. Engaged employees are more likely to request feedback and engage in professional development opportunities, even in a remote setting. An Employee App provides an excellent channel for Managers to coach and give constructive feedback to their Drivers.
Innovation and Creativity:
Engaged employees are more willing to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas. When working remotely, fostering a sense of engagement can encourage employees to continue thinking outside the box and driving innovation. As the eyes and ears on the ground, Bus Drivers are uniquely positioned to contribute insight into the business on areas for improvement. Issues with roads, stops, loadings, antisocial behaviour etc that may not always be obvious from the Depot perspective but could lead to innovated changes from Driver recommendations.
Adaptability and Resilience:
Remote work requires employees to adapt to new technologies, communication tools, and work routines. Engaged employees are generally more open to learning and adapting, which is crucial in a remote work environment that may undergo frequent changes. An Employee App can also give those Drivers more support with such changes.
In essence, employee engagement matters with a remote team because it helps address the unique challenges of remote work, fosters a sense of connection, improves performance, and contributes to the overall well-being of remote employees, leading to better outcomes for both employees and the organisation as a whole.
To find out more or to schedule a demo, contact us.
Unity
Customer-like experiences to connect drivers and staff near, far or wherever they are.
