As always, the Industry Education Committee has worked to identify and address key concerns of OABA members. Over the past two years, one theme that has risen to the top time and time again is workforce development, recruitment and retention.
Though the novel coronavirus has caused many new challenges for agriculture, it also presents a unique opportunity to attract the available workforce. As many businesses furlough or lay off employees, many displaced workers are searching for new employment and changes in their lives. In addition, with virtually no summer events, many high school and college students will be seeking employment opportunities to fill their time and explore future careers.
As an essential industry, agriculture is uniquely situated to hire these workers – and introduce them to agriculture as an attractive new career opportunity.
Below are a few tips and ideas to be given intentional thought when hiring and working to retain new workers during COVID-19.
Become a teacher – and be patient
New workers will have varying degrees of familiarity with the agriculture industry. Don’t let this discourage you from hiring a capable and dependable worker! Take this time to introduce them to the agriculture industry overall, your company’s important role in the supply chain, and how they can contribute to this vital industry.
Assign workers a mentor to serve as a guide
For workers new to your company, a mentor provides a single point of contact for their questions or concerns when working. A mentor should have plenty of industry experience, plus patience and understanding to guide their mentee. Through a one-on-one relationship, mentors will be able to guide potential employees as they weigh their future job options.
Be flexible
Individuals are dealing with multitudes of new issues due to COVID-19: postponed events, lack of childcare, homeschooling children while balancing work hours, safely performing essential tasks and much more. Your understanding and flexibility as they navigate these issues will go a long way in developing a positive and lasting relationship with temporary employees.
Show them they are sincerely valued (even as a short-term employee)
Regardless of how long they are employed by your company, make sure every employee feels valued during this time! This can be displayed in a multitude of ways: a simple thank you, flexible schedules, and a safe and clean work environment, to name a few.
Treat displaced workers as potential long-term or future employees (or advocates for your company to their peers)
As employees experience the agriculture industry, they may be interested in remaining in the industry past the immediate crisis or once they complete their schooling. For those that plan to return to their original place of employment, it’s just as important to ensure their positive experience - nothing spreads faster than a peer recommendation! Use this time to build a positive image around your company and the industry overall.