So you’ve done your research and now you fully understand the benefits of having GPS vehicle tracking for your fleet. After seeing how other businesses have increased their productivity, reduced costs and improved driver safety, you are ready to take the plunge.
However, as experienced by many businesses, making your employees understand the importance of this change may not be easy. So what should you do for successful GPS tracking implementation? Being clear about the goals of implementing the technology and explaining how it can benefit employees can ease the transition and avoid negative backlash.
Explain why the business will be using GPS tracking
Simply letting your employees know you are equipping your fleet with GPS tracking devices without making them understand why may cause employees to get concerned. Being clear about the purpose of the technology may get employees on board easier. Have workplace accidents increased; is vehicle maintenance and over-servicing out of control; do you need to better serve your customers?
Explain how the system works
Also explaining how GPS tracking works will help your employees understand the need to have it installed. At first, many employees may feel that the technology is invasive or that management doesn’t trust them. Explaining what information is collected and how it will be used will remove the “Big Brother” theory and other misconceptions.
Discuss benefits to employees
When introducing GPS tracking, explain how it will benefit your employees directly. Having the technology means less paperwork for drivers and staff, and no more manual log entries or proof of delivery documentation. When used properly, GPS tracking will also help generate more revenue for the business. For employees, this could mean possible incentives or bonuses based on their performance. If employees are aware that reducing costs and improving productivity could earn them more money, they will be encouraged to make the system work.
Talk about fleet safety
Let employees know that one of the reasons you will be using GPS tracking is to keep them safe. Employee safety is not just a legal responsibility as an employer, it is a moral obligation as well. With GPS tracking you can monitor and correct over-speeding, rapid acceleration and harsh braking or cornering. Minimising these bad behaviours will decrease the risk of accidents.
Don’t make it a secret
Don’t try to hide the fact that you will be installing GPS tracking in your fleet. The purpose of GPS tracking is to make improvements to your business operations and not to get employees in trouble. There should be no reason to secretly track your employees. Not to mention that in many states in Australia, it is actually illegal to install GPS tracking without informing your staff. Being transparent during the process will prevent negative backlash and will be more welcomed by employees.
Don’t hide how the business will benefit
If the benefits are not explained properly, employees may be suspicious and think that the profits will only go to the owners and management. When the business gets more benefits and makes more income, it will be good for everyone. With more cash flow, the business will be able to provide employees with job security and opportunities to grow in the company.
GPS tracking will definitely improve business revenue and reduce costs. To have a successful GPS tracking implementation, business owners and managers must properly introduce the technology to employees so that they have a clear understanding. Explaining the need for GPS tracking and how it benefits the business and the employees can help prevent negative reactions and get everyone on board from the start.
