By definition, work culture is the overall environment and personality of a workplace. It reflects the traditions, behaviors and attitudes of the business and its employees.
But it is also much more than that. A fleet operation’s work culture can have a direct impact on the success of the company. Happy employees are willing to do more — and give more — for their workplace. Disgruntled employees who don’t enjoy being at work will typically not perform well. Poor performances can impact the fleet operation’s bottom line, and bad attitudes can rub off on other employees or even customers.
To avoid this, get tips on how you can improve your fleet operation’s work culture.
Build a Culture of Trust
Employees need to know the company’s mission, vision and values are upheld. By keeping the priorities and values at the center of the fleet operation, employees can trust that is how the company is truly run. Employees also need to know they are open to share opinions and feedback in a respectful manner.
Be Transparent
To build a culture of trust and create an open work culture, leadership needs to create a level of transparency with employees. While not all information can be shared with staff members, communicating the fleet operation’s goals, performance metrics and other insights that can be shared will go a long way to build trust and work towards a more open culture.
Prioritize Work-Life Balance – and Mean it
Almost every workplace says it wants its employees to have a work-life balance, but how many of them actually mean it? To keep your employees happy and content, fleet operations need to encourage staff members to work hard when they are on the job, but to also enjoy their friends and families when they are at home. Well-balanced employees are more likely to be productive and successful when they are at work.
Don’t Mistake Perks for Culture
When establishing a work culture, don’t fall into the trap of thinking giving more perks to employees will automatically enhance the work culture. Sure, setting up video game rooms or providing free soda and snacks is nice for employees, but if those don’t fit the mission and values of the fleet operation, then they won’t enhance the work culture. Creating a work culture can take time, and it requires repetitive behaviors instead of just one-time gestures.
Make Employees Feel Like They Belong
To establish a work culture, employees have to feel like they fit the culture and are part of a community at work. This establishes roots and loyalty. It also helps give staff members a purpose and a role at the fleet operation, which makes them happier and more productive.
Establish a Training, Mentorship Program
Forming mentorship and training programs demonstrates to employees that the fleet operation is invested in their training and development. This helps build a culture of trust and creates employees who are motivated to invest in themselves and their ongoing development.
Hire People Who Fit the Culture
Not every prospective employee is a great fit for the fleet operation. Managers might find the most talented and qualified employee, but if he or she doesn’t fit the overall culture, then it’s not a good hire. If an employee doesn’t fit the work culture, it creates a risk that the staff member will leave shortly after onboarding, or that his or her attitude will influence others, and ultimately diminish the fleet operation’s entire work culture.
Leaders Should Lead by Example
To truly establish a successful work culture, the fleet operation’s leader has to fully buy into and exemplify it. Leading by example is the most effective way to get others to follow suit. If the leader demonstrates the work culture (including following the dress code, participating in events and activities), then others will follow his or her example.
To learn how RTA Fleet Management Software can help your fleet operation, contact us today to schedule a free demo.