Sample Sidebar Module

This is a sample module published to the sidebar_top position, using the -sidebar module class suffix. There is also a sidebar_bottom position below the menu.

Sample Sidebar Module

This is a sample module published to the sidebar_bottom position, using the -sidebar module class suffix. There is also a sidebar_top position below the search.

Let’s Not Forget About Retention

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Category: Issue 2

The Private Motor Truck Council membership is seeing a shortage of professional drivers. National statistics state we will have a shortage of 48,000 qualified professional drivers by 2024.

 In our efforts to respond to a growing shortage of qualified professional drivers, we often hear our top HR challenges are recruiting more youth and underrepresented people to the trucking sector. Improve the industry image. Get in front of youth when they are younger to get them excited about the trucking industry. None of this is wrong. These are absolutely some of the top HR challenges we, as an industry, need to continue working on to influence change and have more people coming into our sector as career opportunities of first choice.

However, we have a current workforce who has supported the trucking industry for many years. They have supported us through economic ups and downs, with  changing technology, demanding deliveries, changing regulations, keeping trucks moving, helping us grow our businesses with innovative ideas and great customer service. They are training our entry-level professional drivers – they are providing professional development to the existing professional drivers. Where would be without them? We certainly wouldn’t be where we are today.

We need to ensure we do not neglect this group of professionals dedicated to our success. Focusing on company culture is a great first step. How are you thanking your professional drivers? How are you thanking your office staff? What LET’S NOT FORGET ABOUT Retention Kelly Henderson, Executive Director, Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic about your technicians? Does everyone on your team feel they are part of the company? Do they feel they make a difference? Are you including them or representatives for their department in decisions that will impact them?

We introduced our Employer of Choice program nine years ago. One of my favourite outcomes of this program is what we learn from the employees. What do they care about? What do they like that the employer is currently doing and what opportunities do they see for their company?

Through the Employer of Choice program, we know people are proud to work for their companies. We know company management are pleasantly surprised at the support and confidence their employees have in them. Without a doubt the feedback from employees in the trucking sector helps us, as a Council, educate employers on the needs of today’s workforce.

The big lesson is that we all need to hear what they are saying. We can’t afford to lose good people. We still need to focus on recruitment but we have to put more effort in retaining the hardworking people already in the industry. They already have that passion and desire for success. They already believe and see the good the industry does. They already have the skills. We can’t afford to not prioritize them!

What can you do today to make a difference with your teams? Say “thank you.” Ask what they want, what would help them in their job or the workplace?  Conduct employee surveys to get the feedback. We often hear from employees that they realize companies can’t implement everything, but asking and making the effort makes an incredible difference to each of them!