It is often said in our industry that people are the greatest asset. However, a  challenge for some businesses in the horticulture sector has been the retention of good people.

While the labour market is easing and there’s been a slight increase in the unemployment rate, some growers are still struggling to fill roles in their business. Even when they do, they find it difficult to hang on to good employees. This is due to a combination of external and internal factors. External factors are issues you don’t have direct control over, such as the economy, global events, and technology. However, internal factors are those you can influence, such as business culture, leadership, relationships, and your business systems and processes.

Spending time thinking about how these impact your business is a good first step. You will then be in a better position to develop strategies to help meet your labour requirements and get the right skills on board.

It’s also important to recognise that everyone brings something different, and that it’s not about simply filling a vacancy. Our industry is full of colourful characters with their own unique personalities and quirks. How leaders manage individuals and teams, deal with performance, and what they tolerate will determine the culture of your business.

It’s also determined by how effectively you communicate and engage with your people. It makes sense that people who are informed and care about the business are more likely to be driven to help achieve your goals. Engaged staff are also less likely to leave, more likely to behave safely, and less likely to take unnecessary sick days. It’s also important to ensure everyone feels safe to speak up and is listened to when they see something that doesn’t align with the culture you want to promote.

Research also tells us that people are ten times more likely to quit because of a poor work environment and culture than for pay-related reasons.

Additionally, better communication about career pathways and opportunities within your business will likely strengthen retention. There are also mixed feelings about the impact of new technologies on the future workforce, which suggests that more conversations and education on this front could be beneficial.

The backbone of any successful farm is the strong connection between leaders and the people who keep things running day in and day out. If you pay attention to the leadership style in your business, you’re much more likely to create a culture that’s not just productive but also encourages people to stick around.

When you create a healthy culture and manage behaviour the right way, you naturally become an employer of choice. That reputation makes it much easier to attract and retain top talent, especially when there’s competition for good people.