We recently shared a guide to improving driver behaviour in your fleet. A driver reward programme is essentially a way of getting driver buy-in for your scheme to improve safety standards across your fleet. Instead of naming and shaming drivers for bad driving practices, you reward any drivers that can demonstrate their commitment to road safety.
In this post we’ll share some cost-effective tips for creating an effective driver rewards programme for your fleet.
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
What is a Driver Rewards Programme?
A driver rewards programme is exactly what it sounds like: A scheme for rewarding the drivers in your fleet for good behaviour.
It’s a more positive and constructive means of improving driver behaviour in your fleet: A carrot, rather than a stick. If drivers are constantly worried about deadlines and behavioural standards, it could lead to a demotivated fleet with a high staff turnover. But rewarding drivers for their performance can have the opposite effect…
What Are The Benefits of a Driver Rewards Programme?
A good driver rewards programme can increase your drivers’ motivation and engagement. One survey revealed that many fleet operators rate driver rewards programmes as the most effective staff retention strategies. And as well as boosting staff retention, it could also boost your fleet’s safety.
Better fleet safety means fewer collisions and other incidents on the roads. This means you’ll save money on servicing, maintenance, and other costs. Plus, if you can demonstrate that you are actively working on risk management, it can even help to bring down your commercial motor insurance premiums.
How To Create an Effective Driver Rewards Programme for Your Fleet
To begin with, you’ll need a means of collecting data on your drivers’ performance. Use driver monitoring technology to get key insights, and regular reports, on things like fuel consumption, acceleration, braking, and time spent idling.
First, get some baseline figures for these aspects of your drivers’ behaviour. Then, set some targets. What would “good” driver behaviour look like in your fleet?
Your driver rewards programme can then be based on your drivers’ success in meeting these targets.
Types of Driver Rewards Programmes
Cash Bonus Driver Rewards Programmes
Use your data insights to determine how your drivers meet certain key performance indicators such as safety, or fuel efficiency. Offer a bonus payment to whichever driver – or drivers – perform the best in a given period.
This way, drivers get a tangible reward for their commitment to better driving standards, which can help align your business goals with your drivers’ goals.
A monetary reward could come in the form of a cash bonus, or a permanent salary raise if a driver can demonstrate continuous or significant improvement. But if you do not have the budget for such rewards, you could offer gift cards or vouchers instead.
Non-Monetary Rewards Programmes
Cash may be a major motivator, but there are other ways to reward drivers for good behaviour.
You could offer extra time off, or extra-long breaks, for your top performing drivers. Or, you could give the safest or most fuel efficient drivers first choice over the routes they drive, the shifts they work, or the jobs they pick.
Public or private recognition can also be a strong motivator, such as a shoutout in the company newsletter, a “driver of the month” scheme, or a simple, personalised message of thanks.
How Improved Driver Safety Saves Money
A driver rewards programme can help make your fleet more cost-effective and fuel efficient. It will also make it significantly safer. Working towards a culture of fleet safety can be an essential part of your ongoing risk management. As we mentioned above, this can help bring down your commercial motor insurance premiums.
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
