Bridgestone has stated that investment in fleet and tyre management solutions to streamline workflow, simplify operations and digitise tasks allows businesses to boost efficiency while fostering a happier, healthier working environment.
It comes after a new study from Bridgestone and Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, revealed that work pressures facing drivers are intensifying in the wake of the ‘cost of business’ crisis.
The study, conducted among 210 commercial fleets, found that the excessive pressures of both business and personal finance are taking a toll on the wellbeing of drivers. Fleet decision-makers are also being impacted, with 59% considering a career change.
“Fleets are facing considerable cost pressures – from high inflation to rising interest rates – but their strategies for navigating this volatile landscape must be balanced with a supportive working environment,” says Andrea Manenti, Vice President North Region, Bridgestone EMIA. “Positive mental wellbeing is not only intrinsic to driver safety, it is vital for strong productivity, skills retention and an organisation’s reputation as an employer of choice.”
According to the research, 74% of fleet decision-makers admitted they need to review their current systems and processes to alleviate workforce stress, while 71% plan to introduce new fleet technology to help mitigate rising costs and operational pressures.
“Jobs, for example, can be dynamically assigned or reallocated according to capacity, with schedules optimised to ensure sensible workloads and realistic deadlines,” says Beverley Wise, Webfleet Regional Director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “Intelligent routing can reduce time spend behind the wheel, alleviating driver frustrations and the pressures of leaving customers waiting.
“Managers can keep closer tabs on driver hours and rest break protocols to prevent fatigue, while burdensome admin can be alleviated by digitising everything from maintenance scheduling, tachograph management and asset tracking to mileage capture, claims processes and vehicle safety checks.”
By implementing such solutions, cost control can be achieved without compromising the health, safety, wellbeing and job satisfaction of the fleet workforce, she adds.
