8 Feb 2018

Lean and Mean Teams in Farm Enterprises

Just imagine… having a team on your farm, all who are fully involved in, and enthusiastic about his or her work; caring about the future of the farm and willing to invest the discretionary effort exceeding duties call to see that the farming operation succeeds.”

The above is Seitjs’ definition of Employee Engagement. Engagement is different from happiness. Someone might be happy at work, but it does not necessarily mean they are working hard, productively on behalf of the farming enterprise. According to Gallup, international authority on Employee Engagement, the bulk of employees worldwide — 63% — are “not engaged,” meaning they lack motivation and are less likely to invest discretionary effort in organizational goals or outcomes. Only 10% of employees in South Africa are fully engaged. A staggering 57% are not engaged and 33% are actively disengaged.

The level of engagement directly correlates with the productivity of employees – productivity being the extent to which an employee is effective in delivering outputs in any given period of time. Insync Survey Consultants confirmed, based on their survey research, that employees who are engaged with their job and employer are more productive because they are motivated beyond personal factors. They are more focused and more motivated than their disengaged counterparts. This means they work more efficiently and with the success of the organisation in mind.

To optimize labour force productivity, a farmer must strive for optimal engagement. This can only be achieved through being concerned both about both productivity and people. How employees’ needs are met, has a direct bearing on their performance. Focusing on productivity alone may lead to a reduction in worker output. A concern for worker needs means attending to their well-being, as both individuals and employees. Courteous and consistent treatment, job security, fair pay, and safe working conditions are important to employees. When those needs are ignored, worker dissatisfaction may impede productivity.

The connection between employee productivity and farm profitability is direct and obvious.

Whether you are the farmer that is always looking to improve production to ensure the long-term viability of the business or the farmer that operates a deteriorated farm, showing little interest in increasing yield or in recycling profits into the operation … know that your approach and attitude towards your farm business will rub off and strongly influence worker output. Performance is often enhanced when employees believe they are contributing to a valuable product and are part of an effective ambitious business team. Success breeds success.

What the Farmer Expects of the Team

What the Team needs

consistently produce high quality work on a timely basis
take their responsibilities seriously
show concern for the welfare of the farming operation, its’ animals and fellow employees; and
represent the farming enterprise well within the community

respect for their feelings and opinions;
recognition for work well done;
fair conditions of employment;
consistent and courteous behaviour by management;
a work environment where they can develop their potential over time (in terms of skills and earnings).

Building a lean, but mean team is in your hands. Competent, passionate and hands-on leadership is critical to employee engagement. So here are a few guidelines farmers and farm managers can consider on how to ensure that all team members are fully involved in, and enthusiastic about their work; caring about the future of the farm and willing to invest the discretionary effort exceeding duties call to see that the farming operation succeeds: