On December 9, 2021, Febetra organized its first ‘Trucker Day’. A wonderful initiative — but unfortunately, quickly forgotten. What did become clear, however, is the growing need for genuine recognition in the workplace. In the transport sector, that recognition may be even more important than in any other industry. Not only is there a serious shortage of drivers, but they have also never been under more pressure. And yet, many companies still fail to truly appreciate their staff.
What can a company do to retain its drivers? The first thing most business leaders or employee representatives think of is raising wages. But do you really believe that salary alone acts as a magnet to attract new drivers and keep the good ones? The effect of a pay raise is short-lived — unless your employees are underpaid to begin with.
Have you ever heard of an emotional bank account? It represents the level of trust built within a relationship. By making deposits into someone’s account, you invest in that relationship.
"An emotional bank account symbolizes the trust that has been built within a relationship."
Every driver needs to feel included — that their work is seen and valued, and that the company stands behind them. They want to be proud of their work and feel they contribute to something greater. This recognition must be given explicitly, and this message should be reinforced at least weekly. That’s how you fill their emotional bank account.
The question is: how? Often, a sincere “thank you” is enough. Create a culture where recognition is embedded in everyone’s DNA. But also foster stronger loyalty among your employees to your vision and values. Acknowledge positive behavior that aligns with those values or other goals immediately when you see it — whether individually or as a team. This not only makes drivers happier, but it also has a positive impact on their families. And let’s not forget the broader benefits for the organization itself: greater engagement, higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and better financial performance. Van Moer Logistics is the perfect example of a company that has successfully implemented this kind of strategic recognition in practice. Jo Van Moer manages to make his employees feel genuinely appreciated every single day.
Sometimes, it really is that simple. The power of a simple, heartfelt thank you can work wonders.
Nathalie Arteel, Expert in Culture & High Performance
Source: This article originally appeared in TRUCK & BUSINESS
https://transportmedia.be/magazine/truck-business-280-maart-2022
