WORKER GPS TRACKING: BIG BROTHER OR GOOD BUSINESS?
From the point of view of your average worker, GPS tracking your fleet might be intimidating. Some see it as a “Big Brother” tactic to micro-manage their work day. A smart manager, however, knows how to control the situation and explains the benefits vehicle tracking brings the company and its workers.
WORKER GPS TRACKING BENEFITS
Vehicle GPS tracking offers many benefits, even for safe and productive employees. The ability to see every work truck’s location in real time is a great advantage for many businesses. Some companies use this knowledge to improve dispatching. For others the ability to track the travels of their fleet leads to new, more efficient routes. Real time location reporting also helps a company to assist drivers. Trucks encountering traffic issues or trying to access a tricky location may be able to get outside guidance. If your company’s vehicles typically carry a single worker, GPS tracking means they are easier to locate during an emergency. Of course, if a vehicle is stolen, the GPS unit aids in its recovery!
Because of the detailed information reported by GoTrack units, they can also be used to provide proof of service to absentee clients. A lawn care company can confidently tell landlords how often and how long work crews visit their properties. Delivery times can be independently confirmed. Management can even identify customers who require more attention, and time, than initially thought and bill accordingly! Some argue this is great for the company but not the worker. However, GPS tracking is a tool that helps the company become more efficient and successful, which is good for everyone.
WORKER GPS TRACKING CONCERNS
Worker GPS tracking systems confirm employees are in the right place at the right time. This can also have some negative connotations. Tracking reports can be used to determine billable hours or to see how often a vehicle is working. Trackers show when a truck is simply idling or visiting fast food locations. The truth is GPS tracker units could be used simply to watch workers. A GPS tracker may be another way for management to detect (and punish) negative behavior. When this is a company’s main use for GPS perhaps it is best to be honest with employees.
Tracking employees is not necessarily micro-management or a vindictive action. It is important to communicate this to everyone. Reports will prove good workers are doing their jobs. It may also show certain workers are not operating as expected. This means the good workers will no longer have to “pick up the slack.” It also does mean under-performing workers are automatically punished. Instead, they could receive the extra training and guidance they need to improve. Whether they are at the company headquarters or working off site, a business is responsible for every worker. GPS tracking is just another tool to help maintain strong communication between workers and management. It is merely a tool to give management critical information to improve logistics and processes. That makes things easier for both managers and workers.