How to Improve Employee Engagement
Improving Employee Engagement with Online Communication and Training
Jay Winegardner, CEO of Truck One, joined us to share his best tips on how to use the Infinit-I Workforce system for more effective employee
engagement and communication. This includes creating custom content to personalize communications.
Winegardner has used the Infinit-I system since 2013 to improve his growing fleet, and he shares how easy this is to implement for the trucking industry.
Key Points on Improving Employee Engagement
- Personalized Communication:
- Using the Infinit-I Workforce system, companies can create custom content tailored to the specific needs of their employees.
- Personalized communication ensures that employees receive relevant information, making them feel valued and understood.
- Ease of Implementation:
- The Infinit-I system is user-friendly and can be easily integrated into existing company workflows.
- According to Winegardner, even those in the trucking industry, which often faces unique challenges, can seamlessly adopt this system.
- Effective Training Documentation:
- Proper training documentation is crucial for improving employee engagement. It ensures that all employees are on the same page and fully understand their roles and responsibilities.
- The Infinit-I system allows for the creation of comprehensive training modules that employees can access anytime, anywhere.
Benefits of Using the Infinit-I Workforce System
- Increased Efficiency:
- With streamlined communication and training processes, employees can spend more time focusing on their core responsibilities.
- This leads to higher productivity and better overall performance.
- Enhanced Employee Morale:
- When employees feel that their company invests in their development and communicates effectively, their job satisfaction increases.
- This boost in morale can lead to lower turnover rates and a more engaged workforce.
- Scalability:
- The Infinit-I system can grow with the company. Whether you have a small team or a large fleet, the system can be scaled to meet the needs of your organization.
Steps to Implement the System
- Assess Your Needs:
- Determine what specific communication and training needs your company has.
- Identify any gaps in your current processes that the Infinit-I system can fill.
- Create Custom Content:
- Develop training modules and communication materials that are tailored to your employees.
- Use the system’s tools to make the content engaging and easy to understand.
- Train Your Team:
- Ensure that all employees are trained on how to use the Infinit-I system.
- Provide ongoing support and resources to help them get the most out of the platform.
By following these steps and leveraging the features of the Infinit-I Workforce system, companies can significantly improve employee engagement and create a more cohesive and motivated team.
Get to Know Truck One, Inc.
Truck One began as B&L Motor Freight more than 70 years ago. Although the name has changed, the company continues to operate as a full truck loader and regular route carrier. They have 50 support employees at their hub and a fleet that consists of close to 200 truck drivers.
Some of the drivers are employees, while the rest are owner-operators. Winegardner requires all to complete Infinit-I Workforce System training. Many of the drivers have embraced the system, finding the training useful with good information.
Training Documentation and Employee Engagement
Truck One, Inc. recognizes the importance of continuous training and development to improve employee engagement. By utilizing the Infinit-I Workforce System, the company ensures all drivers are well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities.
- Comprehensive Training Modules: The Infinit-I Workforce System offers a wide range of training modules that cover various aspects of truck driving and compliance. This helps drivers stay updated with industry standards and regulations.
- Flexible Learning: The online platform allows drivers to complete training at their own pace, providing flexibility and convenience. This approach has been particularly beneficial for owner-operators who manage their own schedules.
- Interactive Content: The training system includes interactive content such as videos, quizzes, and real-life scenarios. This engaging format helps improve knowledge retention and keeps drivers motivated.
Benefits of Training and Development
- Enhanced Safety: Regular training ensures drivers are aware of the latest safety protocols and best practices, reducing the risk of accidents and incidents on the road.
- Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with industry regulations is crucial for any trucking company. The Infinit-I Workforce System helps Truck One, Inc. maintain compliance effortlessly.
- Employee Satisfaction: Ongoing training opportunities contribute to higher job satisfaction among drivers. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
- Operational Efficiency: Well-trained drivers are more efficient and productive, leading to smoother operations and better service for clients.
Improve Employee Engagement
Truck One, Inc. continually seeks ways to improve employee engagement by investing in comprehensive training and development programs. By prioritizing the professional growth of their drivers, the company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
- Regular Feedback: Gathering feedback from drivers about the training program helps Truck One, Inc. make necessary adjustments and improvements. This two-way communication strengthens the relationship between management and drivers.
- Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledging the efforts and achievements of drivers who excel in their training encourages others to follow suit. Recognition programs can improve employee engagement and morale.
- Career Advancement: Offering pathways for career advancement within the company motivates drivers to enhance their skills and take on new challenges.
By focusing on training and improving employee engagement, Truck One, Inc. not only ensures the safety and compliance of their operations but also creates a positive and supportive work environment for their drivers.
Why Use Online Training?
Before implementing Infinit-I Workforce online training, Truck One held an annual in-person safety meeting. While attendance was mandatory, 25% of drivers would not be able to attend.
They tried incentivizing attendance with a dinner and door prizes, but the nature of the work made it difficult to meet 100% attendance. On top of poorly attended training, they were using paper communications that slowed down the process of informing the fleet on important communications.
Understanding that this was leading to poor employee engagement, Truck One decided to move to online training. This decision was reached for three reasons:
- They were a growing organization that needed a better way to present a cohesive message to all employees.
- They understood the need to implement custom content in their training program.
- They needed an easy way to provide training to deal with incidents.
They took time to prepare the company for the rollout by ensuring they had all needed contact information to get everyone access to training. The Operations Safety Management team went through the training for themselves to make sure they understood the system and sent reminders to employees about the start date.
Winegardner also took the time to make sure employees understood why they were making the change and how it would help everyone. He produced a CEO message to share information about the system.
Through these preparations and a willingness to work with wary drivers on how to use their devices to access the training, Truck One made a smooth transition with little pushback. They were able to show how easy the training was to access, so the adoption rate among older drivers was not an issue either.
Training Documentation
To further improve employee engagement, Truck One focused on creating comprehensive training documentation. This involved:
- Detailing Training Modules: Each module was clearly outlined, specifying objectives, required materials, and step-by-step instructions.
- User Guides: Developing user guides to help employees navigate the online training platform.
- FAQ Sections: Including frequently asked questions to address common concerns and troubleshooting tips.
- Video Tutorials: Providing video tutorials to visually guide employees through the training process.
- Feedback Mechanism: Implementing a feedback system to continually improve the training based on employee input.
The training documentation played a crucial role in smoothing the transition to online training. By providing clear and accessible resources, Truck One was able to increase employee engagement and ensure that all team members were on the same page. The effort to improve employee engagement through detailed documentation and support materials was instrumental in the successful adoption of the online training system.
By thoroughly preparing and supporting their employees, Truck One not only improved attendance and engagement but also ensured that their training was effective and beneficial for all. This meticulous approach to training documentation and employee support exemplifies how organizations can successfully transition to new systems while improving employee engagement.
How the Infinit-I System has Improved Employee Engagement
The Infinit-I system has significantly improved employee engagement for Truck One by streamlining the training process and making it more accessible. With the extensive online library of videos, employees can engage with their training material at their convenience, which minimizes disruptions to their primary responsibilities.
Key improvements include:
- Convenient Access: Employees can access a wide range of training videos online, which means they don’t need to be physically present for new hire onboarding or annual safety meetings. This ensures that employees can complete their training without being pulled away from their essential duties.
- Time Efficiency: The online format allows employees to complete their training more quickly and efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for drivers, who can stay on the road and remain productive while still meeting their training requirements. This, in turn, helps improve employee engagement as they feel more in control of their time and responsibilities.
- Enhanced Productivity: Employees who were previously tasked with setting up and conducting training sessions can now focus on their specific areas of responsibility. This shift not only improves their productivity but also enhances their engagement as they can concentrate on their core tasks without the added pressure of organizing training sessions.
- Comprehensive Training Documentation: The Infinit-I system also offers robust training documentation features. Employees can easily track their progress and revisit any training materials as needed. This documentation ensures that everyone is up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and company policies, further enhancing engagement by providing a clear and structured learning path.
Examples of Improved Employee Engagement:
- New Hire Onboarding: Instead of pulling seasoned employees away from their tasks to train new hires, the Infinit-I system allows new employees to access all necessary training materials online. This ensures a smoother onboarding process and quicker integration into their roles.
- Annual Safety Meetings: Traditional safety meetings can be time-consuming and disruptive. With the Infinit-I system, employees can complete safety training at their own pace, ensuring that they understand and retain the information better.
By leveraging the Infinit-I system, Truck One has been able to improve employee engagement by making training more accessible, efficient, and less disruptive. The result is a more productive workforce that feels supported and engaged in their roles.
Orientation
The transition to online training has significantly improved the efficiency of pre-orientation training, allowing new employees to complete necessary information in less time. According to Winegardner, the online system also serves as an indicator of new drivers’ commitment to joining the team, as those who complete the work quickly often demonstrate their seriousness about the job.
“They complete the work in no time,” said Winegardner, highlighting the effectiveness of the system.
The safety management team benefits from access to orientation templates, which streamline the process of building out the orientation program. Additionally, they have an easy way to upload custom videos, ensuring that updates on national regulations are promptly communicated to the new drivers.
Training Documentation
To further enhance the orientation process and improve employee engagement, comprehensive training documentation is crucial. Here are some key components and best practices:
- Clear and Accessible Materials: Ensure that all training materials are easily accessible online. This includes guides, manuals, and video tutorials. The content should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.
- Interactive Content: Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes and simulations to engage learners. This not only helps in retaining information but also makes the learning process more enjoyable.
- Regular Updates: Keep the training documentation up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations. This can be achieved by setting regular review schedules and updating materials as needed.
- Feedback Mechanism: Implement a feedback system where trainees can provide input on the training materials. This helps in identifying areas for improvement and ensures that the training remains relevant and effective.
- Tracking and Assessment: Use online systems to track the progress of trainees. This includes monitoring quiz scores, completion rates, and engagement levels. Such data can help in refining the training program to better meet the needs of new employees.
By focusing on these elements, organizations can significantly improve employee engagement during the orientation process. Engaged employees are more likely to be productive and committed to the company’s goals, leading to a more successful and cohesive team.
The combination of online training, comprehensive documentation, and continuous updates plays a vital role in enhancing the orientation experience. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that new employees are well-prepared and engaged from the start.
Corrective Action Training
The Infinit-I online training management system makes it simple to assign corrective action training immediately to address concerns. After incidents, drivers receive an email to complete specific modules dealing with the incident.
The drivers have learned to expect the corrective action training based on communications from the safety management team. They understand they have a week to complete the training if they want to remain in good standing.
To further improve employee engagement, the system ensures that:
- Timely Assignments: Corrective action training modules are assigned immediately following any incident, helping to address issues promptly and effectively.
- Clear Communication: The safety management team regularly communicates with drivers about the importance and expectations of the corrective action training. This ongoing communication helps improve employee engagement by keeping them informed and involved.
- Structured Deadlines: Drivers are given a clear deadline of one week to complete the assigned training. This structure helps maintain a sense of urgency and responsibility, further enhancing employee engagement.
Additionally, the system provides comprehensive documentation and tracking of training activities, which includes:
- Training Records: Detailed records of completed training sessions are maintained, ensuring that all corrective actions are documented and can be reviewed as needed.
- Progress Monitoring: The system allows for real-time monitoring of each driver’s progress through the training modules, enabling the safety management team to provide support and follow-up where necessary.
- Feedback Integration: Drivers can provide feedback on the training modules, which is then used to improve the training content and delivery. This feedback loop is essential for improving employee engagement, as it shows that their input is valued and acted upon.
- Compliance Tracking: Ensuring that all drivers complete their corrective action training within the specified timeframe helps maintain compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
To further improve employee engagement, consider implementing additional strategies such as:
- Incentives: Offering rewards or recognition for timely completion of training can motivate drivers to engage more fully with the content.
- Interactive Content: Incorporating interactive elements such as quizzes or simulations can make the training more engaging and effective.
- Regular Updates: Keeping the training content up-to-date with the latest industry standards and best practices helps maintain its relevance and effectiveness.
By leveraging the features of the Infinit-I online training management system and focusing on strategies to improve employee engagement, organizations can ensure that corrective action training is both effective and well-received by their drivers.
ELD Mandate
To comply with the ELD mandate, Truck One implemented a comprehensive training program to prepare its drivers for the transition to electronic logging devices. This initiative was crucial to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to enhance operational efficiency. The training series provided by the ELD manufacturer was integrated into the Infinit-I system through API integration, making it accessible to all employees, including current staff and new hires. This integration not only streamlined the training process but also improved employee engagement by making training resources readily available.
Key Points:
- Training Series: Comprehensive sessions offered by the ELD manufacturer.
- API Integration: Seamless upload of training materials to the Infinit-I system.
- Accessibility: Training resources available to all employees, ensuring consistent knowledge across the team.
Benefits of the Training Program:
- Compliance: Ensured that all drivers were aware of and could comply with the new ELD regulations.
- Efficiency: Improved operational efficiency by reducing the time and effort needed to manage training materials.
- Employee Engagement: Enhanced employee engagement by providing easy access to training resources, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Improving Employee Engagement:
- Ease of Access: By integrating training materials into the Infinit-I system, Truck One made it easier for employees to access and complete necessary training. This convenience plays a significant role in improving employee engagement.
- Consistent Training: The standardized training series ensured that all employees received the same information, which is critical for maintaining consistency and understanding across the organization.
- Ongoing Support: The availability of training resources for both current employees and new hires ensures ongoing support and development, which can further improve employee engagement.
Training Documentation:
- Training Modules: Detailed modules covering all aspects of ELD usage, troubleshooting, and compliance.
- Interactive Sessions: Interactive training sessions that engage employees and enhance learning retention.
- Feedback Mechanism: A system to collect feedback from employees about the training materials, which helps in continuous improvement.
In summary, Truck One’s proactive approach to the ELD mandate not only ensured regulatory compliance but also significantly improved employee engagement through accessible, comprehensive training. This strategic move highlights the importance of integrating training documentation into centralized systems to support continuous employee development and operational efficiency.
Monthly CEO Messages
While the ease of training access is great, where Winegardner excels with the Infinit-I system is his monthly CEO messages. Each month he prepares a message to share important information with all employees. He keeps the video to under five minutes so it’s easy for team members to watch, and his message includes:
- A welcome to new employees
- A summary of the videos for the month and why they are important
- Company updates and announcements
- Communications from the support team
- Encouragement for everyone to stay safe
He makes sure to include plenty of gratitude and encouragement as he believes this is the hallmark of good leadership.
Further Advice on Using the Infinit-I System
Winegardner wrapped his message up with some last words of wisdom on implementing the Infinit-I system to train fleets.
- Stick with it. The transition to online training is worthwhile.
- Make sure you learn the system yourself to prepare for rollout.
- Be diligent in implementing the program.
- Make the training achievable. With custom content, keep videos short to keep driver attention.
Why does he encourage organizations to use the Infinit-I system to increase employee engagement? The system documents all completed training and tests, so the information is readily available at need.
The team also uses the system reporting and incident reports to select priority training to deal with safety issues immediately. In this way, Truck One has seen improvements in their CSA scores.
Transitioning to Online Training and Communication
If you are still trying to complete safety training through in-person meetings, you likely understand how difficult it is to get everyone to attend. If you’re ready to increase employee engagement and productivity, online training with Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has the tools you need to make this happen.
To learn how the Infinit-I Workforce System for Trucking can improve employee engagement for your fleet, request a demo here.
FAQs
How does the Infinit-I Workforce System help improve employee engagement?
The Infinit-I Workforce System improves employee engagement by providing flexible, online training that is accessible at any time, allowing employees to complete their training without disrupting their primary responsibilities.
What are the benefits of using online training to improve employee engagement?
Online training benefits include enhanced safety, regulatory compliance, increased employee satisfaction, and improved operational efficiency, all of which contribute to better employee engagement.
Why is flexible learning important for improving employee engagement?
Flexible learning allows employees to complete training at their own pace, making it convenient for them to manage their schedules and responsibilities, thereby improving employee engagement.
How does regular feedback contribute to improving employee engagement?
Regular feedback helps identify areas for improvement in the training program and strengthens the relationship between management and employees, which is crucial for improving employee engagement.
What role does recognition and rewards play in improving employee engagement?
Recognition and rewards acknowledge the efforts and achievements of employees, motivating them to excel further and improving overall employee engagement.
How does career advancement opportunities improve employee engagement?
Providing pathways for career advancement motivates employees to enhance their skills and take on new challenges, thereby improving employee engagement.
Why is it important to have comprehensive training documentation to improve employee engagement?
Comprehensive training documentation ensures that all employees have access to clear and structured learning resources, which helps in improving employee engagement by making the training process smoother and more efficient.
How does the Infinit-I system’s convenient access feature improve employee engagement?
Convenient access to training materials online allows employees to complete necessary training without being pulled away from their essential duties, improving their engagement by making it easier to manage their time.
What is the impact of time efficiency on improving employee engagement?
Time efficiency allows employees to complete their training quickly, enabling them to focus more on their primary responsibilities, which improves their engagement by making them feel more in control of their time and tasks.
How does enhanced productivity contribute to improving employee engagement?
Enhanced productivity from well-trained employees leads to smoother operations and better service, which in turn improves employee engagement by creating a more efficient and supportive work environment.
What are the benefits of interactive content in training for improving employee engagement?
Interactive content, such as quizzes and simulations, engages learners better and helps retain information, making the training process more enjoyable and improving employee engagement.
How does the feedback mechanism in the Infinit-I system improve employee engagement?
The feedback mechanism allows employees to provide input on training materials, showing that their opinions are valued and leading to continuous improvement, which enhances employee engagement.
Why is it important to keep training documentation up-to-date for improving employee engagement?
Keeping training documentation up-to-date ensures that employees are always learning the latest industry standards and best practices, maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of the training and improving employee engagement.
How do monthly CEO messages help improve employee engagement?
Monthly CEO messages keep employees informed about important updates, recognize their efforts, and provide encouragement, which enhances communication and improves employee engagement.
What is the importance of timely assignments in corrective action training for improving employee engagement?
Timely assignments ensure that corrective actions are addressed promptly, helping to maintain a sense of urgency and responsibility among employees, which improves their engagement.
How does the Infinit-I system’s tracking and assessment feature improve employee engagement?
Tracking and assessment allow for real-time monitoring of training progress, providing support where needed and ensuring that training is effective, which contributes to improved employee engagement.
