Gallagher, Susan

Case Studies done as part of Clear Roads project 19-02, Recruitment and Retention of Highway Maintenance Workers

Appendices for Clear Roads project 19-02, Recruitment and Retention of Highway Maintenance Workers.

The objective of this project was to investigate strategies state departments of transportation (DOTs) can employ to overcome challenges related to recruitment and retention of plow drivers and other highway maintenance workers. The project outcomes include two deliverables: a concise guide of innovative but practical ways for DOTs to recruit and retain a highly proficient, productive, versatile, and committed roadway maintenance workforce; and a more detailed final report containing all information captured in this effort. This final report includes case studies in several categories: recruitment programs (creating supplemental workforce with existing staff, partnerships with departments of corrections, and using social media for recruitment and public engagement); retention strategies (creating a positive workplace culture, employee benefits and incentive programs, promotion and leadership programs, employee training programs, and succession programs and mentoring); recruitment and retention for underserved communities; recruitment and retention of the next generation; and capturing information to improve your program (mentoring programs and check-ins with staff; surveys, focus groups, and interviews; and exit interviews). While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for recruitment and retention challenges, the project documented numerous strategies that a DOT can consider to strengthen recruitment and retention. Since many of these changes require long-term commitments by an agency, the strategy section is supplemented with tools and ideas to facilitate and manage deployment, including an outline of steps for implementation. Key findings from this research effort are provided, including overarching guidance and best practices as well as numerous research needs related to recruitment and retention of highway maintenance workers