Comment: Staff are assets to be cherished

By CLIVE DALTON

Two papers at last week's Ruakura Dairy Farmers' conference highlight a huge change in farmers' attitudes to their staff.

It's an ideal time for this message, as staff who used to be called "labour" are now seen as "team-members." This change is long overdue, and it's thanks to the shortage of good dairy farm staff.

Takapau farmer Dean Nikora pointed out that young people these days had a wide choice of careers, so employers must sell their positions. A vital part of this was to sell themselves as motivated employers whose businesses were going places.

Mr Nikora helps to manage 6200 cows and 32 staff, and has a $13 million turnover. He knows what he's talking about, having come up through the ranks from farm assistant, Waikato Polytechnic farm business management student, sharemilker, and now managing large herds.

His appreciation of staff as individuals and recognition of what motivates them was echoed by Darren Bailey, manager of The Warehouse in Hamilton. New Zealand's largest retailer has more than 5000 "team-members."

The company regards staff as its greatest asset, and hopes they stay with The Warehouse because their individual qualities are recognised.

Mr Nikora said it was too easy to assume that what interested the employer, such as attending farm discussion groups or classes, would interest staff.

"I have staff who get more satisfaction from small rewards such as meat, tickets to a rugby game or being able to use a company vehicle or facilities for private use from time to time. Often a genuine 'thank you' offers a lot of job satisfaction.

"We must try to identify what each individual wants, and if we can meet these needs, then we can achieve satisfaction and long-term stability in our workplace," he said.

The Warehouse provides numerous benefits. For example, for every 1 per cent that company performance exceeds targets before interest and tax, staff get a 2 per cent bonus.

Staff also receive a discount, and if they are living with parents or a spouse, they also get cheaper goods.

Other rewards include birthday time off for all permanent staff, and a "thank you" conference weekend for staff who work at least 20 hours a week, and their partners.

Regular six-monthly appraisals help to set and guide job performance, and decide on training needs and career planning.

A staff development programme provides financial help, paid time off and weekly leave to attend courses.

The Warehouse provides up to 5 days' domestic leave on ordinary pay, and 6 weeks' leave without pay.

You also get maternity and parental leave, and sports leave if you are chosen to represent New Zealand.

Sick leave is unlimited, and staff are offered a group medical scheme.

Dairy farming has a long way to go, but at least the evolution has started.

* Dr Clive Dalton is a farming tutor at Waikato Polytechnic.