Effective Driver Recruiting and Retention Strategies: Is There Any Way to Get GOOD People

Carmen DaecherDaecher Consulting Group, Inc.

The key to providing “superior passenger transportation” is having dedicated and trained employees who can deliver “…safe, high quality, reliable service...”

Depleted staffing and employee turnover affects the company’s ability to achieve this objective.

Support the Company’s Mission

Cost of Driver Turnover

Turnover Costs = Cost per Hire (e.g., advertising, agency fees, sign-on bonus, etc.) + Vacancy Cost (e.g. lost opportunity, productivity and morale of other employees providing coverage for vacant positions) + Learning Curve Productivity (e.g., cost to train new employee plus cost of lost business knowledge)

2 to 3 times annual salary of employee!!

DRIVER HIRING

PoliciesProceduresConsistent application

Advertise PositionStructured Telephone/Walk-in Interview

Driver Application

Background ChecksMotor Vehicle Reports

Written ExamDriver Profile

Structured Personal Interview

Road TestDOT Phy. Exam

Drug Test

SUCCESSFUL HIRE

Recruiting Strategies

Recruiting Strategies

Create New Recruiting Advertising CampaignEmphasizes Company’s “Brand” and

Values

“We Want You To Be A Part Of Our Family!”

Recruiting Strategies

Radio and Print Ads

– Existing bus drivers would appear in ads discussing rewards of being a bus driver

RESPECTING OTHERS LEADS TO EXCELLENT SERVICERESPECTING OTHERS LEADS TO EXCELLENT SERVICE

Wouldn’t you like to be a part of a company that has built its success on this Mission?Wouldn’t you like to be a part of a company that has built its success on this Mission?

As a member of the ABC Bus team, you will have a chance to serve your community, by As a member of the ABC Bus team, you will have a chance to serve your community, by transporting its most precious asset, its people. Employees are valued and respected! They transporting its most precious asset, its people. Employees are valued and respected! They also earn a competitive wage and gain health and retirement benefits. also earn a competitive wage and gain health and retirement benefits.

To find out how you can become a member of our team today… To find out how you can become a member of our team today… Call 1-800-555-1212 or go to www.abcbus.comCall 1-800-555-1212 or go to www.abcbus.com

I am making a difference in my community…I am making a difference in my community…

Each day I transport people to and from their desired destinations. I have a chance to get to know these people and in these uncertain times…I like to be one person they can count on for a smiling face and a supportive word…even when they are not having a good day…I feel like I am really making a difference…

For more information on how you can make a difference… For more information on how you can make a difference… Call 1-800-555-1212 or go to www.abcbus.com.Call 1-800-555-1212 or go to www.abcbus.com.

Recruiting Strategies

Conduct Job Fair

– Advertise on billboards; in ethnic communities; churches; and retirement communities; send postcards to past applicants/prospects

– Issue press release to attract local media coverage

– Current bus drivers talk about their experiences

– Offer prizes– Conduct immediate interviews

Recruiting Strategies

Set Up Booth At Local Community Events, Career Fairs, Libraries, Etc.

Distribute marketing collateral materials to support campaign

Place Advertisements At Churches, Gyms, and Retirement Communities.

Recruiting Strategies

Pilot Running Ads and having Recruiters available on Saturday and Sunday to take calls from potential applicants

Develop Targeted Military Base, Retirement Community, or Downsizing Business Recruiting Campaign

Initiate Employee Referral Program

Retention Strategies

Retention

Conduct Focus Groups Existing bus drivers Assess why they joined the Company, completed training program, etc.

Conduct Phone Surveys Individuals who started training program and dropped out Employees who left after short period of time

Focus Group Questions Present Employees

What about the recruiting process made you join ABC Bus Company?

Having gone through the training program—do you think there is anything that could be done to improve it?

What do you like most about working at ABC? What do you like least?

Focus Group Questions Present Employees

Have you ever referred anyone to work here?

What ideas do you have for recruiting bus drivers?

How do you feel about the benefits the company provides?

What do you think are the characteristics of an ideal bus driver?

Focus Group Questions Trainees

How is the training progressing for you? Is it what you expected?

What do you like about the training? What are you finding most challenging?

Is there anything you would change about the training process? If so, what would that be?

Is there anything about becoming a driver that you are concerned about?

Phone Survey of Former

Employees

Why did you not stay with the program?

What would have made you stay?

How was it different then from what you expected?

What recommendations would you have for improving the program?

Would you consider returning to the program?

Would you refer a friend to the program?

Retention Strategies

“Perfect Attendance” Bonus

Offer year end retention bonuses based on years of service

Health Insurance Cost Sharing

Create Defined Career Ladders Within Company

Run “Thank You” Ads In Local Paper

ABC Bus DriversABC Bus Drivers

Thank you for another year of great service!Thank you for another year of great service!

You are making a difference in our communityYou are making a difference in our community

“Re-Recruitment”

Conduct Extensive Exit InterviewsAll departing employees Use data to enhance training and coaching practices

After 3 MonthsSend If the Grass Isn’t Greener Come Back to Your Roots notice

After 6 MonthsSend recruiting brochure with invitation to attend an open houseFollow-up with phone call from member of management team

“Re-Recruitment”

ABC Bus Companies

Great part-time opportunities are available for bus drivers!

Call 1-800-555-1212 to apply or go to

www.abcbus.com to apply online.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Joe Smith100 Street Road

Anytown, PA 10000

PLACEPOSTAGE

HERE

Management Development

Management Development

Train Managers Effective coaching techniques

Non-financial rewards and retention tools

Hold Managers Accountable For Recruitment, Retention, and Discipline Processes Provide Managers Incentives Related to Employee Performance (e.g. Employee Attendance and Safety Records)