High Driver Turnover Fueled by Health Issues, Says New Report

According to a new report focusing on the transportation sector from a provider of background checks and employee testing, 59 percent of respondents reported finding, retaining and developing talent was their top business challenge. 

The survey found 41 percent of <commercial> drivers are leaving to spend more time at home and 21 percent are leaving due to health issues.

The study, conducted by HireRight, noted that the industry is encouraged to take a “a closer look at wellness and lifestyle programs to increase retention, recognizing the positive effects they can have on keeping drivers healthy and happy.

According to the survey, 35 percent of respondents offer safety and accident prevention programs, 21 percent offer free immunization/flu shots and 18 percent offer smoking cessation programs. The authors noted: “In addition to increased driver retention, these kinds of wellness programs can also help decrease health care and worker’s compensation costs and improve safety records, yet 45 percent of respondents do not offer a wellness program at all.”

“Driving is a physically demanding profession and getting proper rest, eating right and maintaining an exercise routine is a challenge due to the nature of the job,” said Steven Spencer, manager director of transportation, HireRight. “The workforce is aging and attracting younger drivers remains a challenge due to the trucking lifestyle.”

Wellness programs are not the only method of retaining drivers, as respondents are also investing in monetary benefits including increased pay (51 percent), upgraded equipment (49 percent) and recognition/rewards programs (41 percent). Non-monetary benefits are also gaining popularity with 57 percent investing in driver appreciation events and 35 percent providing flexible work arrangements.

Realizing that driver retention and engagement starts during the screening and onboarding process, 34 percent are investing in improving the candidate experience. Of the survey respondents, 34 percent are creating longer orientation/training periods and 32 percent are appointing a driver liaison/mentor to new drivers. Industry data1 has shown that 90 percent of drivers decide they will stay at an organization within the first six months on the job, yet, according to the report, 32 percent of respondents are not utilizing retention tactics for new hires.

More at: HireRight 2016 Annual Employment Screening Benchmark Report .

 

Category: Driver Stuff, Featured, Management