One way to encourage good behavior and improve overall morale is to host a driver appreciation day. I had the opportunity to attend such a function yesterday at one of our sister-operations. Close to 75% of the drivers attended this lunch under a tent in a local state park. A Virginia State Park with about 150 taxis parked along the road is quite a sight!
Lunch was an ethnic dish served buffet-style that fit the preferences of the majority of the drivers. There was also Popeyes for anyone else. We sat at rows of picnic tables. The company executive made a speech about the important of safety and then each driver that had no tickets or accidents in the year was called up individually and honored before the entire group with a certificate and a photo-op.
The drivers got a real kick out of it and seemed to feel really great about themselves and about being part of the community of drivers. By the way, this same operation has a driver lounge complete with games unique to the culture of the drivers, televisions, and places to pray. It is no wonder with this kind of treatment that this operation has one of the best safety records, happiest drivers, and cleanest, safest cars! It is also not a stretch to say that the bottom line is rewarded handsomely for these efforts...
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