Your optimism and smart planning will carry you into 2021 and beyond
Raise your hand if you’re ready for this year to be over. We’re already into Q3; even “essential” personnel have barely seen many of our coworkers in person since Q1, and it feels like with every two steps forward, we’re taking one step back. But that still proves we’re making progress.
We’ve gone too many steps forward to hit “ctrl+Z” on 2020. Look at some of the improvements in our work lives we’ve gained because of the pandemic:
• Much warranted appreciation for workers whose jobs were taken for granted for so long. The people who selflessly continued to show up at work to serve others during the pandemic.
• More streamlined workflow and productivity thanks to technology such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Also less commuting and work travel gives us back more time for ourselves.
• Learning new skills and technologies, expanding our personal development and creating more brain power.
• Implementation of safety measures in facilities for employees who cannot work remotely.
See, you’re feeling better already. Now, the #1 thing you need to make the rest of 2020 tolerable and to plan for a better 2021 is optimism. Add in gratitude, followed by believing that what you do each day matters.
When what you’re doing each day is managing your company fleet to be a revenue-generating tool so that your company can remain a viable supplier of not only goods and services but also jobs and community support, there’s no doubt that what you do each day matters.
Now let’s not get all mushy over here. There’s still tough work to be done, and that’s going to take smart planning. There’s no sense in worrying about things you can’t control. Here’s a look at what you can control, and some questions to consider as you position your fleet for a better 2021:
1. Fixed and operating costs for now and later
– Are you making the best use of your liquidity and the equity in your fleet to strengthen your company financially?
– Are you using ongoing fleet utilization analysis to adjust your vehicle lifecycle and replacement schedules to meet vehicle demands?
– If you adjusted your parameters for preventive maintenance to reduce operating costs, do you have criteria and timeframes set for reevaluating and resetting those?
2. Cohesive and productive relationships with stable suppliers
– Can your suppliers deliver the volume and quality of products, services and customer support you need?
– Are they communicating transparently so your expectations are in check?
– Do they talk about their own plans for future innovation and development?
3. Reduced company risk and increased driver safety
– What are your guidelines and resources for keeping employees aligned with safety practices to avoid contracting and spreading illnesses?
– Have you chosen OEM or aftermarket telematics solutions for monitoring driver behavior, reducing operating costs, and strengthening your company’s safety culture?
– Is there an opportunity to reduce your commercial insurance premiums by working with an insurer who sees the value in an integrated telematics and safety management program?
What does tomorrow look like?
Will there be more coronavirus surges? What will happen in September when schools reopen? Will we ever again be in crowded public settings and not have to wear masks? No one knows the answers yet.
What we do know is that the world has triumphed over similar struggles – and worse ones too.
You’ve got the optimism and drive to implement strong plans. We have those things too. We can be the perfect partner to help you discover new paths, share your vision with others, and turn your positivity into productivity. Let’s see what blossoms in 2021 from the seeds we plant together now.
For pandemic recovery resources, visit this URL:
http://go.arifleet.com/fleetrecovery.html
