Business owners and managers worry about being perceived as the ‘big brother’ when they install tracking equipment into their service vehicles. As scary as fleet tracking sounds to drivers, you as the business owner need to convey that it will benefit them as much as it will benefit the company. Unless you are implementing GPS covertly to catch unruly drivers, there are a few things to remember when talking to your employees about fleet tracking.
The key to introducing GPS to your employees is to be open, honest and positive. Let your employees know the truth- you don’t think the worst of them and this is not a personal decision. Fleet tracking is truly a business need in this day and age. Employees don’t often realize that it benefits them as well. Drivers now have proof of service, reduced interruptions, improved safety, correct time sheet reporting, and quick support if a vehicle breaks down.
The bottom line is that fleet tracking is not about tracking people. It’s about tracking expensive company property, lessening the risk of theft, and staying on top of your business without being in the vehicle with your driver.
Do
- Anticipate, listen, and respond to employee concerns
- Give employees the benefit of the doubt and put yourself in their shoes
- Explain the need to decrease fuel costs and increase productivity
Don’t
- Begin a conversation with “The GPS caught you doing…”
- Assume one incident is a pattern of mischievous behavior
- Make rash decisions based on one occurrence without getting the whole story
Always remember that the vehicles are your company assets and you have the right to protect them. If your employees are doing their job correctly, there is no reason for concern on their part.
How did you tell your employees about fleet tracking and how did they react?
