COMPANY car schemes: they can be a real asset when you know how to use them. Making company cars work in favour of your organisations is about understanding two things: the psychology behind company car schemes and the practical aspects of employing them.
The psychology of company cars
The psychology behind company car schemes is surprisingly powerful. The following points describe just how much of an impact you can have on your team and on your productivity and performance by employing this single strategic fillip.
1. Morale
One of the major reasons businesses use company cars is to boost the morale of their team.
It really works too.
On the one hand, members of staff get excited about being able to use a great car and on the other hand they genuinely appreciate having the pressure of the investment taken off their hands. Company cars appeal to people’s sense of prudence and people’s sense of enthusiasm for motors.
2. Incentives
If you want to attract the best talent in the industry then you need to give people incentives. Why should they choose a position with your company over a similar position with another?
The perks really turn people’s heads. Offering employees a company car scheme is a great way of demonstrating that you are prepared to go the extra mile to attract the best people.
3. Moving up the ladder
Employee incentives are not just about attracting new recruits. They are also about encouraging a more aspirational workforce.
The fact is that company cars are rarely available to all members of staff. They are a perk for those in positions of responsibility. Offering them as an incentive to move up the ladder can inspire staff to undertake training and add to their skillsets to the benefit of your business.
4. Keeping up appearances
There is also the psychological impact of company cars outside the business to consider. Clients, investors and other stakeholders are likely to encounter your representatives from time to time and they will see the aspirations of your organisations reflected in their appearance. The cars they drive play an important role in how others see your setup.
The practicality of company cars
Of course, it’s not all about strategic psychology. There are much more practical ways to make a company car scheme work as a positive rather than a negative investment.
5. Car care
In order to make company cars work for your business, it’s important to prioritise car care, partly by making employees aware of their responsibility to keep the cars they are given to use in great nick and partly by making it easy for staff to access valet services. Talk to local valet businesses about the deals they offer. The better your fleet looks, the more positive its impact.
6. Maintenance and repair
Of course, it’s not just about looks – it’s also about quality.
Proper maintenance and repair are essential. Instead of entrusting these matters to members of staff, it’s a good idea to take control of them as a business.
Online retailers like Euro Car Parts offer components at low prices so consider putting department in charge of the procurement of relevant parts for maintenance and repair.
Consider setting up a contract with a garage where you enjoy discount prices in return for a regular supply of work in the form of services, repairs and MOTs.
