Several years ago, I spoke to a GEAPS group and asked those in attendance how many days in a row they had worked the previous harvest.\u00a0 I asked those who had worked at least 30 straight days to stand, and most stood.\u00a0 As I counted upwards, I asked them to sit down when we surpassed their \u201cstreak.\u201d\u00a0 Many stayed standing into the 40\u2019s, then 50\u2019s, and the \u201cwinner\u201d had worked 67 straight days!<\/p>\n
What has changed in the last several years? \u00a0As a new generation of workers arrives on the scene, I\u2019ve spoken with managers who share that \u201cthe new guard just can\u2019t cut the hours it takes for the job.\u201d\u00a0 My question to these managers is, could the younger generation be right?\u00a0 In many ways, I think they may have their priorities for a healthy work \/ life balance more in order.\u00a0 Regardless, we must continue to ask if there is a different or smarter or better way to approach the rigors of our very demanding ag industry.<\/p>\n
As the Baby Boomer generation continues moving into retirement, it is imperative we look for new paradigms in agriculture in order to attract and keep the talent we need to meet the ongoing demands of our industry.\u00a0 Studies show younger workers value time off as much or more than they do additional money.\u00a0 Is this wrong?\u00a0 I think not.\u00a0 Are they loyal and dedicated workers?\u00a0 I think so.\u00a0 Are there opportunities to make work and home life more balanced in the midst of planting or harvest season?\u00a0 Of course there are.\u00a0 Working together, we must find answers, or the future success of our industry is at risk.<\/p>\n
The problem is, many of our ag businesses continue to operate in such a manner as \u201cwe have always done.\u201d\u00a0 We \u201chave to stay open\u201d because\u2026\u00a0 But consider this.\u00a0 Years ago, I stood in a customer\u2019s shed going over fertilizer recommendations, and the farmer said, \u201cI sure wish you (the coop) would close on Sunday.\u00a0 And my wife would pay you to be closed!\u201d\u00a0 He went on to say his crew was worn out, and his wife worried constantly about their safety.\u00a0 He concluded, \u201cWe just need a day of rest, but as long you stay open, my neighbor is in the field, and my landlords keep track\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
There are many who have found positive solutions.\u00a0 Consider the long-time fertilizer manager who shared his secret for keeping good help. \u201cI ask my people to give me their all when we are in season, and they do.\u00a0 But when it is over, we let them go to four 10-hour days each week and rotate among each other so we can be open five days.\u00a0 They all get a four-day weekend every other week for part of the summer and throughout the winter.\u00a0 They love it. Their families love it.\u00a0 It gives them time for weekend getaways, camping and hunting trips, and other things they enjoy.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t eliminate the long hours of the busy season, but when it hits, they are fresh and ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other businesses offer gift cards or checks, meals, or various other incentives for loading trains on time, getting fields sprayed, meeting planting or harvest goals and deadlines, or keeping all their customers\u2019 equipment running.\u00a0 But is that enough?<\/p>\n
Agriculture is changing.\u00a0 Equipment is getting bigger.\u00a0 Yield trend lines continue to go up.\u00a0 And the pressure of getting the work done in a timely manner doesn\u2019t let up.\u00a0 Equipment never breaks down in the shed, and one manager recently lamented, \u201cYou never know when a train may show up, and you can\u2019t control the weather.\u201d\u00a0 The challenges of keeping your team intact, safe, and happy throughout the rigors of planting season or harvest do indeed get more challenging each year.<\/p>\n
So ask yourself, what is the culture of your business?\u00a0 Are you creative in finding ways for your team members to avoid burnout, exhaustion, and the dangers of excessive hours during the busy season?\u00a0 Do you have a culture that encourages successful marriages and families?\u00a0 You will take a giant leap forward in raising team morale when your team members do not have to constantly choose between work and time with their families.\u00a0 That adds tremendous stress and often guilt to marriage and family relationships.<\/p>\n
Consider accepting my challenge.\u00a0 Create an atmosphere for your team members to openly and creatively satisfy the competing demands of improving their home lives and still providing outstanding customer service.\u00a0\u00a0 Ask for input from everyone in your company.\u00a0 Make it a fun process.\u00a0 Create a \u201cHome \/ Work Balance Committee\u201d and include Board members and \/ or farmer customers to share their thoughts and to also help them understand the need for our industry professionals to have quality \u201caway from work\u201d time.\u00a0 You may be amazed at what your team comes up with, and the long-term success of your company and our industry depends on it.<\/p>\n