Keeping Your Employees
"Good and Bad Times"
The swine industry, like all other businesses, is going through some
very dramatic changes in the way market needs are fulfilled. Efficiency
of scale and the labour force are the primary targets when businesses
come under fire to remain competitive. Labour, all too often, is looked
upon as an expense, not an asset. Frequently, labour is thought to
be one of those areas in the production cycle that can be altered
to address whatever crises that might arise.
Present day hard times in the swine industry call for fine tuning
and close scrutiny of all aspects of the swine operation. These uncertain
times lead to frustration for both the staff and owners of the swine
units. Owners often feel the only persons making money on their operations
are the bankers and employees. Employees may be asked to work longer
hours, take a reduced wage, take reduced benefits, or be confronted
with a frustrated owner/ manager who is no doubt under great stress
about his/her future. It is becoming much more difficult to put on
a happy face each morning when going in to the barn and selecting
pigs for market knowing that each pig that gets on that truck has
a $50.00 bill tied to its back.
So then how does one keep things in perspective? First, you must
realize that an employee is an asset with feelings and certain expectations.
Most employees feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when performing
their duties. Contrary to popular belief, money is not the leading
motivator for employees. Everyone would undoubtedly agree that a certain
amount of money is vital to gain one's attention. However, labour,
like all assets, should be based on the cost to produce a kg of pork.
Trimming your labour force based solely on market values can be a
costly mistake.
It's a good policy to discuss your current dilemma or concerns with
your employees and perhaps ask for input as to where changes can be
made to trim the cost and still maintain efficiency. If employees
participate as partners in decision making, you are much more likely
to have a higher level of morale, improved performance of staff, and
a harmonious working environment, with less frustration and stress
for all.
Helpful hints to improve morale, labour efficiency, and slow down
that rotating door for labour requirements are:
- When hiring new employees be direct and honest and have a job
description to explain the duties expected in the position.
- Benefits & bonuses should be achievable and directly related
to the job description.
- Set targets & goals, and meet on a scheduled basis to discuss
the progress.
- Treat your employees as equals; refer to them by name and position,
(Not "My Hired Person"). A pleasant "hello"
in the morning goes a long way!
- Employees are assets that require fine tuning and proper attention.
Like all assets, their performance and value should be based on
the cost per kg of pork produced.
- Encourage employees to take on more responsibilities and reward
them when they do.
- Provide the tools and resources so the employee can improve his/her
skills to achieve the operations targets and goals: training, reading
materials, joining producers groups or other swine related events
.
- Hold weekly up-date meetings and seek out ideas and suggestions
for improvements and profits: "communication, communication,
don't assume anything".
- With the price at $70.00-$80.00 per pig, it's time to rally the
troops and have a plan. Be up front about your dilemma or concerns.
The employee wages are at risk as well.
- Establish a good working environment-wash rooms, showers, kitchen
area and all other areas well maintained, with proper lighting.
- If labour cuts are to be made, be sure the remaining staff fully
understand their newly assigned duties and responsibilities (overworked
or unhappy workers does not equal efficiency).
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