How to Protect Productivity During Workplace Challenges

Since the coronavirus outbreak, many companies have faced challenges to ensure their workforce is safe, with some businesses having to close altogether. However,  more and more people are now returning to work and companies are considering how to boost their employees’ productivity to bring them back to pre-lockdown levels. 

The current Government advice states that people should return to work where it is safe to do so, with employers having to ensure the right protocols, such as social distancing, are in place. As the lockdown becomes a thing of the past for most, it means millions of people are now trying to get back into the flow of working, whether it be from home, in the office or onsite. 

For companies that have cloud-based systems, like the one we offer at RAM Tracking, it has been relatively easy to maintain productivity levels throughout this confusing time as employees can assess their usual software no matter their location. However, problems arise when businesses are field-based or working onsite rather than working on PCs or laptops. 

How technology can support your workforce’s return to work 

Employers are required to provide a certain level of safety for their employees who are already working or returning to work. Therefore, it is likely they will be facing questions regarding what protocols they have in place and how they will ensure the safety of their workforce. 

When speaking to clients of RAM Tracking a few concerns were repeatedly raised in relation to getting their employees back to work safely. These included wondering whether they would need to change working practices, whether their vehicles and equipment would be safe to use and whether their teams would be productive. 

Each of these issues will need to be addressed on an individual basis for each client as different working environments pose different challenges. However, by incorporating technology into their solutions, our clients should be able to address these issues more efficiently. 

Changing workplace practices 

There is no doubt that the working environment will be different for those who have already returned to work and those looking to do so in the future. At the very least, workplaces need to ensure that they adhere to the social distancing guidelines and provide any necessary PPE in situations where this isn’t possible. 

Businesses will no longer be able to have face to face contact with their customers unless it is done from a suitable distance. This means that the process for signing for deliveries may need to be updated. Even with hand-held terminals, there is a risk of transmission so this needs to be avoided. 

This poses the issue of how businesses can get proof of delivery as it can be important to have this evidence when needed. At RAM Tracking we have developed a complete solution called RAM Assist. With this software, delivery drivers can gather a variety of information to evidence that they have met the criteria set out in their contract. 

Ensuring equipment is safe for use

It is well known that machines and vehicles should be checked over if they have been out of use for any period of time. That’s why it is important for each piece of equipment and each vehicle to be thoroughly inspected before being used as normal. 

Legally the responsibility for these checks to be carried out lies with the owner rather than the driver or operator. Therefore, to avoid any legal disputes or fines, businesses must ensure these checks are actually carried out. 

With the RAM Assist app, drivers can carry out a check of their fleet vehicle before they use it. The app provides a checklist of points that should be looked at including oil and water levels and tyre pressures. Once the check has been completed the driver can tick it off on the app which updates the fleet management software. 

The software helps businesses make sure these checks are being carried out therefore protecting them from any liability in the event of an error. If a check is not carried out a notification can be sent to the fleet manager who can investigate why it was not done. 

RAM Assist also allows businesses to create custom lists for vehicle checks enabling additional checks to be added where necessary. This means businesses can even provide a checklist for employees who are furloughed but have access to a company vehicle. This keeps vehicles in a good condition even when they are not being used. 

Keeping employees productive 

Businesses are being faced with tough decisions regarding which employees will return to work and which will remain furloughed, with some even facing potential redundancy. With staggered shifts being suggested to ensure businesses can remain COVID compliant, it can be hard for businesses to keep track of their vehicles and their employees. 

At RAM Tracking we know the importance of having accurate tracking available on your fleet vehicles in real-time. Our cloud-based system allows fleet managers to access the software from anywhere as well as create customisable reports to track employee performance and verify timesheets. 

Our software allows businesses to get the most out of their fleet, ensuring employees remain productive and equipment is safe. In fact, our 12,500 customers have reported productivity increases of 10-20% after incorporating our software into their operating practices. 

With RAM Assist fleet managers can plan the most efficient routes, get updates of driver progress, help drivers when they have issues and keep an eye on productivity. There are also additional features that can benefit fleet managers including vehicle documents and expense tracking. 

If you want to get in touch with the team at RAM Tracking to discuss how RAM Assist can benefit your fleet, saving you time and money, then visit www.ramtracking.com or call the team on 0330 100 3622.