Regional Changes in Employment

Over the last two months several of the livestock operations that I work with have had a new experience—they are getting several applicants for open positions.  There are some regional differences, and not every area is seeing this change, but it is a noticeable pattern and one that bears watching.

For these operations, it is providing an opportunity to help those in their community who have lost employment, and it is giving the company a chance to “upgrade” their current labor force.  Due to low unemployment in most areas over the last several years, some businesses have found themselves keeping sub-par employees who lacked the motivation, skills, work ethic or core values that they needed because they knew it would be difficult to find anyone to fill that position.  I am never a fan of hiring “anyone that can fog a mirror” but some jobs can be performed to a minimum standard by even mediocre employees.  With the increase in available labor, the opportunity exists to move the company forward with greater accountability and higher productivity.

Here are some thoughts on “upgrading” your labor force when the opportunity exists:

·         Be professional.  Don’t take the attitude that since you have abundant applicants that you can now treat employees any way you want.  Your reputation in the community is very vulnerable in these situations.

·         Be fair.  Your good employees want everyone in the business to be treated fairly, so as you raise your level of accountability be sure to allow an opportunity to improve, and communicate your expectations very clearly.

·         Have a plan.  Hire carefully, be sure that any new hire is an improvement, and take your time to be sure that you are hiring qualified people.  Check references, ask thorough interview questions, and make your selections in a logical, fact-based manner.

I would be interested in your experiences in different parts of the country concerning changes in the availability of labor.  Send a quick message to dhtyler@frontiernet.net, and let me know if you are getting more applicants, seeing no change, or getting fewer applicants.  Be sure to include your area of the country and I’ll share the results after a few days.

Thanks!

Don