5 Effective Ways to Engage Transportation Workers

Do you employ truck drivers, bus drivers, or any transportation workers? Employee engagement is important for all people in an organization, but here are some ideas for how to keep drivers happy, healthy, and on the road. As retention and an aging workforce continue to be challenges for the trucking industry, be sure to share your appreciation for all they do… It’ll go far!

How to Engage Transportation Workers: Ramp Up Appreciation

Once basic requirements for job satisfaction are met, like a fair wage and the right tools to do the job, engaging transportation workers comes down to making personal connections and showing gratitude. Because in-person appreciation is more seldom, it’s important to be creative, ensure they feel appreciated wherever they are.

1. Involve Family

Personal connections and one-on-one engagement are harder to make with employees on the move. When you have any all-staff meetings or parties where a majority of transportation workers can attend, acknowledge this unique opportunity to celebrate them. It’s also a kind gesture to show gratitude to the driver’s whole family, whether it’s a gift the whole family can enjoy (grocery gift certificates) or it’s a casual company BBQ where everyone is invited.

2. Give Personalized (Non-Cash) Recognition

Pay is important, but it isn’t everything. Thank you cards and small gifts can be extremely meaningful, especially when managers can’t show appreciation to transportation workers face-to-face. A note with coffee gift cards, movie tickets, candy, or another personalized gift can go a long way.

3. Focus on Purpose, Relationships

Ultimately, drivers want to keep moving and to be productive, offering a sense of personal satisfaction. It takes time and effort to ensure drivers and other on-the-road employees feel connected to the culture of an organization. Touch base in ways that feel authentic, allowing for human interaction when it is helpful. Ask drivers what they prefer, but remember they have basic human needs, too!

4. Provide the Comforts of Home on the Road

Drivers’ needs will vary, depending on the length of their trips and the time of year. But in addition to meeting all safety needs, what else can you provide to ensure a happy driver? Blankets? Subscriptions to music and podcast apps? Do you send them out with breathable clothing, well-fitting shoes, or cool hats? Show your appreciation by making sure they are as comfy as possible.

5. Plan Ahead for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week: September 15-21, 2024

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is an annual, nationwide celebration and cornerstone program launched by the American Trucking Associations in 1988 to recognize and honor the vital contributions of transportation workers to our daily lives and the economy.

Throughout the week, Americans come together to acknowledge and show their gratitude for the efforts of the 3.6 million professional truck drivers and transportation workers who deliver essential goods and resources across the nation. The impact of truck drivers is felt in every corner of the country, as more than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to meet their freight transportation needs.

FREE Resources for Building Workplace Camaraderie and Engagement

We all need inspiration to build a great workplace culture. Here at gThankYou we love helping companies connect, engage with and celebrate employees.

Here are two free eBooks that will inspire and provide actionable tools to help you build a culture where workplace friendships can thrive. Download them and start making a difference today!

Our Day-to-Day Employee Celebration Calendar provides the tools and inspiration to build a culture of appreciation every day of the year. It includes a calendar of celebrations and holidays for engaging with employees, workplace-related articles, quick facts and quotes, and more!

Transform Your Workplace with Gratitude unlocks the secrets to recruiting and retaining a superior workforce, increasing profits and having more fun at work by understanding and nurturing workplace gratitude. It’s remarkably easy and applies to any type of workplace.

Learn why gratitude is so powerful in the workplace and simple techniques to improve any organization — starting now!

Top Photo by Zetong Li on Unsplash

Dog and Truck Photo by Karsten Winegearton Unsplash