During a labor shortage crisis, many agricultural businesses are struggling to find and retain workers. However, Jessica Pedroza, the Office and Human Resources Manager at Pacific Agra Farms in Walla Walla, Washington, has found success in a different approach: building personal relationships with workers based on respect and kindness.
In this podcast episode, Jessica shares some insights into what a typical day looks like for a harvester at Pacific Agra Farms. Before starting work in the morning, farm workers are allowed to discuss any challenges they may have faced the previous day and brainstorm solutions together. Open communication and respect are key values that underpin their approach. For more details on the day-to-day operations, be sure to listen to the podcast!
It is important to emphasize that cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with employees takes time, effort, and genuine care nature. It starts with getting to know people on a personal level, remembering their names, and greeting them when you see them. These small gestures of respect can go a long way in fostering a culture of kindness, trust, and effective communication.
Ultimately, Pedroza’s approach has yielded positive results for Pacific Agra Farms. By treating workers with respect and building personal relationships with them, they have not only been able to retain their employees but also have a waitlist of applicants. This demonstrates that investing in your workers and creating a positive work environment can pay off in more ways than one.
