To prepare for something like the impact of COVID-19 was almost unheard of. We all plan for different scenarios, impact from a low market, driver shortage, etc. but a worldwide pandemic wasn’t on the radar for the majority of people. But it happened, and everyone had no choice but to jump in and figure out what was best for his/her company.
Almost immediately, most businesses had moved staff to work from home. While this would have been unheard of in almost any other situation, the pandemic forced employers to make decisions they wouldn’t usually make. Working from home provided a safe environment for employees. While not all employees chose to work from home, most did. And it worked! I think it is fair to say that the majority of employees went above and beyond to make working from home a success.
Work positions changed due to COVID as well. Those with a Professional Driver’s license were asked to go back on the road due to the limited work that could be done in the office. To go from a Monday – Friday, 8-5 position and then be asked to go back out on the road, with no set schedule, was a huge adjustment, not just for the Professional Driver, but for his/her family as well. And while some aspects weren’t appealing, the respect and appreciation from other Professional Drivers who welcomed them was by far a huge reward.
Positions that would require interviewing people and meeting people in person quickly switched over to Zoom calls. From interviewing, to presentations, to recruitment; almost everything moved over to online platforms which still allowed work to be carried out, just in a new way.
But in all of the changes and uncertainty, there were many good things that came out of COVID. Most importantly, the Trucking Industry was recognized as an Essential Service and Professional Drivers were being recognized by the general public for the good that they do every day. The Industry now had a solid recruiting option – as an Essential Service, we kept going through COVID. And the Industry can now offer office employees flexibility with work schedules. We know working from home worked in most cases, so many employers were able to implement a full time or part time work from home schedule. More and more employees ask for flexible work schedules, COVID provided everyone the opportunity to test it.
Katrina Henderson
Project Manager
Katrina began her career in the Trucking Industry in 2000 and joined the Council in 2004. Her work focuses on being a part of all initiatives the Council is working on. From managing initiatives within the Council, to working with entry-level professional drivers, essential skills assessments, and a variety of research and development.