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

1. Effective Driver Recruiting and Retention Strategies:Is There Any Way to Get GOOD People Carmen Daecher Daecher Consulting Group, Inc.

2. Support the Company’s Mission • 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.

3. 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!!

4. DRIVER HIRING • Policies • Procedures • Consistent application

5. AdvertisePosition Structured Telephone/Walk-in Interview DriverApplication BackgroundChecks Motor Vehicle Reports Written Exam Driver Profile Structured Personal Interview Drug Test Road Test DOT Phy. Exam SUCCESSFUL HIRE

7. Recruiting Strategies

8. Recruiting Strategies • Create New Recruiting Advertising Campaign Emphasizes Company’s “Brand” and Values “We Want You To Be A Part Of Our Family!”

9. Recruiting Strategies • Radio and Print Ads • Existing bus drivers would appear in ads discussing rewards of being a bus driver

10. RESPECTING OTHERS LEADS TO EXCELLENT SERVICE 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 transporting its most precious asset, its people. Employees are valued and respected! They also earn a competitive wage and gain health and retirement benefits. To find out how you can become a member of our team today… Call 1-800-555-1212 or go to www.abcbus.com

11. 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… Call 1-800-555-1212 or go to www.abcbus.com.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. Retention Strategies

16. 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

17. 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?

18. 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?

19. 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?

20. 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?

21. 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

22. ABC Bus Drivers Thank you for another year of great service! You are making a difference in our community

23. “Re-Recruitment”

24. “Re-Recruitment” • Conduct Extensive Exit Interviews • All departing employees • Use data to enhance training and coaching practices • After 3 Months • Send If theGrass Isn’t Greener Come Back to Your Roots notice • After 6 Months • Send recruiting brochure with invitation to attend an open house • Follow-up with phone call from member of management team

25. If the grass isn't greener, come back to your roots.

26. PLACE POSTAGE HERE

27. Management Development

28. 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)