What is any fleet’s top priority? Of course, it’s keeping its drivers safe on the road. Many technology solutions are available to track driver behavior, but this doesn’t necessarily make drivers safer. Implementing a driver rewards program incentivizes drivers to raise their safety metrics and improve their safety scores on the road. For example, GalaxyOne implemented Azuga’s driver rewards program and found that they could have “objective conversations” with employees about areas where they could improve and reinforce safety habits more easily. Driver rewards programs create a culture of safety within fleets that may have previously struggled. This article will outline how to implement a safe driver rewards program successfully so you can create this safety culture as well.
Benefits of a Driver Rewards Program
A driver rewards program has various benefits both for drivers and for the business as a whole. These benefits include:
- Reduced accidents
- Safer roadways
- Increased productivity for drivers and vehicles
- Reduced operating costs
- Improved driver motivation
Of course, the most obvious benefit is that drivers get rewards for their safe behavior! It’s a win-win for everyone in the fleet, so there’s no reason not to have a driver rewards program.
How to Implement a Driver Rewards Program
1. Develop Goals
Drivers can’t strive to win rewards and achieve excellence if they don’t know their goals. That’s why it’s crucial to make concrete goals with small incremental steps you can make towards those goals. For example, an overall goal would be improving safety, but smaller steps would be reducing hard braking, limiting phone usage, and following speed limits. It’s essential that the goals that you select are trackable. If you cannot track progress towards the goal, there is no point in having one. As long as you choose attainable, trackable goals, your drivers should find success in meeting them.
2. Make Expectations Clear
Once you have determined your goals, it is crucial to communicate them clearly to your drivers. Make sure you include criteria to obtain rewards and detail how metrics will be measured and weighed. Be as specific as possible, as ambiguity can lead to an opposite effect than you want: lower morale stemming from frustration. Make sure that you establish someone in charge of the program who drivers can reach out to if they have any questions along the way. After the program's launch, be sure to regularly remind your drivers about the program, perhaps with posters or newsletters. You can even keep them updated on their rank and safety score.
3. Get Driver Feedback
Part of communicating with your drivers is getting feedback on how the rewards program is going. Drivers may have concerns or suggestions that can improve the program, and it’s vital to hear them out. If drivers feel ignored, they may become frustrated with the program and no longer participate. This is why it is crucial to keep open communication with your drivers and ensure they feel comfortable sharing their honest feedback regarding the program. Anonymous feedback surveys are instrumental in this regard. As long as you get the feedback you need and improve based on it, your driver rewards program should be successful.
4. Use Gamification
Gamification is a fun way to get drivers engaged in their rewards program. Having drivers compete against one another for higher safety scores is one way to have fun with the program. Gamification improves driver morale and keeps drivers excited about driver safety. It is part of what makes a safety culture for a fleet. When drivers are having fun, they are more likely to do their best to drive as safely as possible and even more likely to stay with your company for a long time to come. So you’ll have a fleet of safe drivers for years down the line!
5. Share Successes
Monetary rewards are wonderful, and drivers do appreciate them, but something they value more is being recognized for a job well done by their managers directly. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are excellent motivators, and they go a long way in showing drivers when their successes are appreciated. Be sure to combine your driver rewards with regular positive reinforcement to raise morale and keep drivers driving safely on your team for longer.
Check Out Azuga’s Driver Rewards Program for Your Fleet!
Azuga’s driver rewards program uses safety data gathered from telematics to create a safety score for each driver. Drivers with better safety scores are eligible for gift cards to their favorite local hangouts. This driver rewards program is perfect for any fleet looking to create a safety culture among its drivers. Try a demo today!
