For Utah’s agricultural businesses and local farmers, workforce management is often a balancing...
The agriculture industry is the backbone of sustainable food production, but it faces challenges that require careful attention. One of the most overlooked yet vital aspects of this sector is human resources (HR).
Episode 4 of Breakfast Table HR Stories dives into why HR is crucial in agriculture and how strengthening this area can ensure long-term success for farms and agribusinesses.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:
Why the HR Perspective is Crucial in Agriculture
HR often gets dismissed in agriculture, as many businesses are focused on maintaining operational competitiveness. However, neglecting HR comes at a significant risk. Not adapting to compliance changes or providing employee support can lead to devastating financial and legal consequences.
Overtime Tracking and Compliance
Regulation changes, such as overtime tracking laws, are reshaping the industry. While farms run 24/7 to adjust to crop growth and weather conditions, overtime is now a critical area that cannot be ignored. Effective HR systems can ensure compliance with overtime regulations and help farmers avoid penalties.
Building Trust in a Low-Trust Industry
Agriculture has historically been a low-trust industry where employees are often skeptical about wages or benefits. HR bridges the gap by ensuring fair pay practices, offering benefits, and implementing secure payroll systems like direct deposit, fostering stronger relationships and trust.
Adapting Farm Culture to Regulatory Changes
The agricultural sector must shift its mindset to adopt regulations such as stricter employee protections and new standards for working hours. Resistance to these changes can harm a business, but properly implemented HR strategies simplify compliance.
Navigating Worker-Specific Regulations
With many rules geared toward formwork, such as those governing migrant workers, businesses can face legal trouble if they’re unprepared. The episode explains how HR experts and PEOs (Professional Employer Organizations) streamline processes to help bring in workers swiftly and responsibly.
Balancing Busy Seasons and Long-Term Strategy
Farming is dynamic, with busy seasons unfolding unexpectedly. Farmers often don’t have time to focus on HR management when the workload surges. Delegating HR responsibilities to external experts, like TNT/Affinity, ensures peace of mind during peak times while keeping the business compliant.
How PEOs Offer Support and Structure
Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) play an essential role in helping farms manage their HR needs efficiently. They provide tools for compliance, payroll, and employee support, allowing farmers to focus entirely on agriculture.
Key Benefits of PEO Support:
- Efficient Onboarding Processes: Especially crucial in hiring migrant workers under tight timelines.
- Simplified Compliance: Keeping up with evolving regulations is one less concern with PEO guidance.
- Fair Treatment of Workers: Offering direct deposit, flexible pay options, and proper benefits enhances employee satisfaction.
Striking the Balance Between Competitiveness and Compliance
Compliance doesn’t need to jeopardize competitiveness. Investing in HR systems and PEO support may seem like an upfront cost, but in the long run, it prevents legal pitfalls and builds a more sustainable, fair workplace. Enhancing farm culture and aligning with regulations makes businesses more resilient and positions them for long-term success.
Tune in Wherever You Listen to Podcasts!
Want to learn more? Tune into Episode 4 of Breakfast Table HR Stories to uncover actionable insights on adapting HR strategies to unlock growth and success in agriculture. Whether you're grappling with compliance or looking to build a more trusting workplace, this episode has you covered.
