Why Retention is So Important

I feel like there is this broken record playing – we are struggling to recruit due to lack of available talent. The 2018 – 2019 AgCareers.com Agribusiness HR Review reports that 71.43% of participating agribusiness said that their most concerning human resource matter was competing for talent and recruiting difficulties. Also, the HR Review reports that companies plan to increase their graduate recruitment due to competition for talent. We know we have challenges when it comes to finding talent and while many employers have some efforts around retaining talent, those that are focusing and developing retention strategies to combat this are more likely to have success because they have the people to do the work. Focus on keeping the people that we currently have. Simple, right?

It is a job seekers market and companies are getting creative with ways to recruit your top-quality employees. When we talk about this topic, most go straight to compensation. Yes, a lot of movement can happen due to compensation, but it isn’t the only factor to retention.

Make sure you are competitive when it comes to comp. (If you aren’t sure, check out the AgCareers.com Compensation Benchmark Review for industry specific salary data). Then look at what motivates your employees. Ask them. Conduct stay interviews.

There are so many options. Some that are basic, some that will cost money, but others that don’t have to. Get creative with some unique ideas. Do a few well, versus trying to do a lot mediocre. Here are just a few examples we hear from employees that are valuable.

• PTO/benefits – don’t underestimate this. Our HR Solutions team can help here too.
• Provide volunteerism opportunities
• Show a career growth plan within your organization
• Invest in continuing education – book club, courses, workshops, webinars, role rotation
• Give small tokens of appreciation often – gift cards, extra PTO, tangible items aligning with their interest, verbal recognition

We know there are a lot of variables when it comes to employee retention. That is why we’ve focused our market research efforts this year around Retention Practices within the Industry. Join us and take this brief survey to share your thoughts on retention strategies. We’ll compile a benchmark report and provide back what we are seeing within the industry. This information will provide insight into what is working, what isn’t, and hopefully lead to some actionable items you can implement or change within your own practices.

Like you, we want to keep and attract great talent to the agriculture and food industry. In order to do this, we need to evolve our employee value proposition and a big piece of that is through retention tactics and efforts.

As a participant of the survey, you’ll receive an early look at the report as well as be entered to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards. * Help us make advancements to keep good talent. Participate in the Retention Practices within the Agriculture Industry today!

*Only completed surveys from those in a leadership or human resources role from an agribusiness in the US or Canada are eligible to participate in the drawing. Survey closes in August 2019.