That is how long it takes most new drivers to decide whether they will be with you for a long time, or a short time. 72 hours. Three days.
It is up to you what happens in those first three days.
Here are some tips on how to manage their first impressions and effectively on-board from the start:
Provide a warm welcome. If you send pre-arrival materials, include hats, t-shirts or other company branded symbols of their belonging.
Consider first impressions. Make sure the first 24 hours reflects professionalism, cleanliness, user-friendliness, and appreciation.
There are many more things you can do to enhance the first three days. Look around you, with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “What will they see?”
About the Author:
Megan Younkin, People Element's Director of Consultant, has over 10 years experience analyzing client-specific surveys and interpreting the results for clients in several industries. Her trucking clients range in size from 200 to more than 15,000 trucks, including dry van, refrigerated, flat bed, and tankers. She works with leadership to improve the effectiveness of company drivers, lease purchase operators, owner operators, and independent contractors. Megan has been asked to speak at transportation conventions across the country on topics such as driver retention and taking driver satisfaction data to action. With her clients, she implements various People Element assessments and surveys, analyzes the results to find data trends, make recommendations for improvement, and provide tools that help to reduce driver turnover.