Human resources are your top tool for improving yield

Let’s say, theoretically, there are two greenhouse operations working side by side. Both grow the same crops in the same climate using the same methods and equipment. However, one operation consistently yields 10% more than the other. Seemingly coincidental, the employees of the higher yielding operation also go out for a beer together once a week.

Is it coincidental? Probably not. The fact that the employees go out for a beer together is a sign of the organization’s culture. The better the culture, the better the yield. Read on to learn why and how to improve the culture at your greenhouse operation.

The human impact on crop results

Almost anyone can be a good farm worker if they are able-bodied, trained correctly, and motivated. Most greenhouse operations focus on the first two points—able-bodied and trained—but the third point is the one that makes all the difference. Motivated employees are more invested in their jobs. When employees are invested in their work, they:

• Work more efficiently
• Spot diseases and pests early on
• Pay closer attention to details
• Try to improve themselves
• Enjoy their work more
• Work at the same greenhouse for many years
• Have an overall higher work ethic

These factors can lead to an up to 10% increase in yield without changing any equipment or materials at a greenhouse. The next question is how to ensure your employees are motivated.

Developing skilled and motivated workers

As greenhouse operations grow and work becomes more advanced, farms need more employees with more skills. This requires training new teams of growers who may not have come from generations of farmers.

A great way to train them is through clear presentations of practices and protocols at your greenhouse. Employees who think their employers provide them with the knowledge and tools to succeed often feel more motivated to work hard.

It is also important to show workers the impact of their actions. When growers see the direct results of their work, they learn and are motivated to improve. It’s important to measure crop results and ensure the measurements are visible to all. When employees see that they are being evaluated by the quality of their work and they have access to their results, they will be motivated to improve that quality.

Managing motivated workers

Maintaining motivated workers comes from the top down. This means that managers, team leaders, and other people up the hierarchy are responsible for developing motivation. Here are two ways to develop motivation:

• Attitude: The way managers treat employees has the biggest impact on motivation. When managers are professional, helpful, and careful not to be overly critical, employees feel more valued and motivated. This means that managers must watch how they speak with employees and ensure they are not demotivating hard-working employees.
• Rewards: Everyone loves to be recognized for their achievements. Rewarding employees is a great way to keep up motivation. You might sponsor a team breakfast or happy hour once the team reaches a specific milestone or achieves a goal. Individual employees can be called out for their actions, further motivating them and others to outperform in hopes of being rewarded.

Why soft skills are important

Knowledge and experience are hugely important in this industry, but a good manager needs the soft skills to impart their skills to employees. Good managers must be able to coach employees to be skilled workers. The better a manager’s soft skills are, the more employees will listen and learn.

It is very beneficial to invest in management training. Managers who attend leadership and communication courses are more effective at motivating employees and generating better results within their team.

Investing in workers

Happy employees are not the only outcome of investing in workers. This investment also has a positive ROI. Let’s say, for example, that one hectare of farmland yields you $300,000 per year of profit. As we mentioned earlier, motivated employees can lead to a 10% increase in yield, so that means your hectare could yield up to $330,000. Wouldn’t it be beneficial to invest a portion of the increased profits in your employees?

You might use this money to provide additional training days for employees or a fun social event for everyone. These investments are a small portion of your added profits, but will make employees feel invested in and valued.

Don’t be afraid of investing in new teams that haven’t yet proved their worth. Initial overhead to make new employees feel valued with pay off by the end of the season.

Maintaining your top resources

Your workers are the most expensive and important tools at your greenhouse. They need to be maintained just like every other piece of equipment. If you ensure to create a good atmosphere and culture, your greenhouse will benefit as will your bottom line.