1. Carmen Daecher Daecher Consulting Group, Inc.
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. Advertise Position
Structured Telephone/Walk-in Interview
Driver Application
Background Checks
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. To find out how you can become a member of our team today…
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 or go to

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 or go to

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 Conduct Phone Surveys
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. Thank you for another year of great service!
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 After 3 Months
All departing employees
Use data to enhance training and coaching practices
After 3 Months
Send If the Grass 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. ABC Bus Companies Joe Smith
Great part-time opportunities are available for bus drivers!
Call to apply or go to
to apply online.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Joe Smith
100 Street Road
Anytown, PA 10000
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)