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Building a positive work culture on the farm

3 min read

Creating a positive work culture is essential in modern farm management. It benefits both family-run farms and operations with outside employees.

During peak seasons like seeding and harvest, the demanding hours can be challenging for everyone involved. However, by fostering a supportive and respectful environment, farm operators can make these busy times more manageable and rewarding for themselves and their employees.

Good leadership bolsters employee retention, recruitment

In light of the growing mental health conversation in agriculture, workplace culture is changing, says Bonnie Taylor, a registered social worker and psychotherapist based in Wellesley, Ont. People are finding ways to ensure their employees feel valued, which can help businesses retain employees, especially with labour shortages affecting many farming operations.

Demonstrating respect, patience and a positive attitude sets an example for others.

Demonstrating respect, patience and a positive attitude sets an example for others. “Leaders who ask themselves, ‘How am I controlling my temper? How am I demonstrating to others that I show respect?’…they’re the ultimate role models for their employees,” she says.

Reflecting on your own behaviour can help to set an example of the supportive culture you want to cultivate.

“Being known for having a great work environment can also be a form of recruitment,” Taylor says. If employees like where they work and feel respected and valued, they’ll be more likely to pass the word on to friends and relatives who may also be looking for a positive workplace.

Role of communication and vulnerability

“Saying, ‘Hey, I’m scared or exhausted or frustrated,’ can be liberating,” Taylor says. But it can also be difficult for someone to be vulnerable and open about their feelings.

Respecting and validating this openness is important.

For example, telling someone how they should feel instead of acknowledging their feelings can quickly cut the line of communication, leaving an employee feeling alone, Taylor explains. Employers and employees need to feel comfortable talking. This is part of trust-building.

The benefits of a supportive farm workplace

When an employee feels they have purpose and motivation, and that they’re working with someone instead of for them, everyone benefits. “That could mean higher profits, stronger goals for growth, and everyone pulling in the same direction as a team that cares for one another,” Taylor says.

She adds that while not everyone is in a position to make decisions about the direction of the farm, it’s important that everyone understands the shared goals they’re working towards. Being recognized for how one’s efforts contribute to those goals can help build morale.

Recognize and value employee contributions

Farm work often involves risks, especially when using heavy machinery and managing livestock. If the team looks out for one another, that could also mean lower injury rates. “At a time when we’re more connected than ever, it’s easy to give someone a call to ask if they need a break or some food after running the combine all day,” Taylor says.

Also, know that recognition can look very different from one employee to another.

Not every good effort or great idea needs to be publicly celebrated if that will make someone feel uncomfortable, Taylor adds. In some cases, a private conversation would go further.

Group recognition, like an after-harvest supper or get-together, is also a great way to unwind, debrief and celebrate a demanding harvest. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, especially if the operation had some setbacks that were out of their control.

“Setbacks are disappointing to everybody, but the farm manager can show support for their employees and build a positive workplace by saying ‘OK, we’re still going to have our end-of-year celebration. You all did an amazing job despite some things being out of our control. There was nothing else we could have done, so let’s still recognize what we were able to.’”

While farming will always be a demanding profession, respect, communication and recognition can make the workplace a great place for everyone.

From an AgriSuccess article by Becky Zimmer.