Farm Management in Kenya.
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Farms management vary widely in measures of labor efficiency. In my previous article, “Labour Efficiency on Dairy Farms” by Michigan State University Extension, data from 20 dairy farms of varying sizes showed that there are opportunities for improving efficiency, regardless of their size. Efficient equipment is not limited by the size of the farm, and when it works, the efficiency is higher. Efficiency starts with the owners.
Based on the work we've done with agricultural employee management, we believe the key to improving work efficiency begins with recognizing workers as colleagues and working together to achieve goals. How can you lead efforts to improve work efficiency? Here are some things to consider and evaluate on your farm.
Treat Employees As Colleagues. It's a mindset, a frame of reference that affects how you interact with employees. Think of your workers as your partners in the success of the farm. Teach employees not only how to do a job, but also how to evaluate it as it goes and consider what will happen in various situations. Teach them to make management decisions, thinking about alternatives and consequences. Involve employees in uncovering problems and identifying waste. Brainstorm solutions and acknowledge your ideas, good or bad, as gifts to the company. Really consider your ideas and if they can't be implemented, use them as teaching opportunities. Be as transparent as possible about decisions, issues, management options, and even financial impact. When you respect your employees as partners in the success of the farm, they will be more loyal and more valuable because they respect you.
Set Expectations. Quality must be defined and expected. If it's planned, then that's the baseline, not something more. There should be an expectation (written and communicated) about the expected length of assignments. Involve your workers in defining this time. Consider someone learning the job, but reinforce the expectation that the task can be done in the specified time, with no shortcuts. Review protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure they are designed to achieve the desired outcome as efficiently as possible. For example, this may include repositioning supplies where they will be needed.
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Train and Coach - Farm Management in Kenya.
Training teaches people how and why to do something. Coaching helps them stay engaged in improving their role for the benefit of the business. We were impressed with the need for ongoing training. Every member of the sports team benefits from continuous training to improve and help the team win more. Each member of the work team must also receive ongoing training for the farm team to be successful. Time and time again we hear from employees wanting to know more about the animals they work with. Give them the education they want and they'll be more likely to make better decisions. The training and coaching is endless, because the learning is endless.
Yield Autonomy. - Farm Management in Kenya.
Autonomy can be defined as the need to realize that we have options and control over our actions. It's the freedom to do whatever it takes and it's one of people's basic psychological needs according to the book When Motivating People Doesn't Work. . . and what it does” by Susan Fowler. Your employees need to feel they have the independence to achieve goals, be skilled in knowing why behind protocols, and what to do when “what ifs” occur. They must be trained to become experts in their role. The feeling of competition is another fundamental psychological need. They should be trusted and expected to cover their work and be held accountable for the results.
Provide Leadership - Farm Management in Kenya.
When you lead, you show the way, you encourage and you equip. Having a good, relationship with employees often results in higher productivity. Take the time to get to know your team members. The third basic psychological need is relationship. Interact with your employees in a professional and fair manner. Provide them with specific performance feedback on a regular basis, whether positive, corrective, or redirecting. People thrive on reviews, especially positive reviews. Talk to employees about their work. Help them think about it. We will never make employees who are not mentally engaged more effective. Your job is to help them participate.
Develop A Productive Work Shift Structure - Farm Management in Kenya.
Even if employees want to work long hours or several hours a week, that doesn't mean they will be productive all the time. Studies have shown that providing employees with meaningful breaks from work improves productivity and accuracy. Employees will also want to take a break with their colleagues rather than alternating breaks. Evaluate how many hours per week employees work and if this is sustainable. If they live locally, provide opportunities for free time such as a soccer field or exercise room. As the farm grows, reconsider each role to ensure work efficiency is increased and work is simplified.
Maintain An Organized Work Environment - Farm Management in Kenya.
Don't waste employees' time looking for a tool or supply that should be easy to find. Make sure tool stock is stored and in an easily identifiable location. Clearly label tools and their locations. Tools should be in good working order and the work environment should be free of clutter. Also, prioritize the safety and well-being of people. Recognize "problems" and make changes to protocols and equipment to prevent a future accident - accidents ruin work efficiency.
Observe Routines And Work Practices - Farm Management in Kenya.
It is good to watch employees in action with work efficiency in mind. Many farms have cameras, but don't use the footage to look for residue in the routines. Evaluate not only performance, but also workflow. Find areas of systemic inefficiency. Determine how employee time is used and what affects it. Perform process analysis to see where time is going and eliminate distractions and waste.
Reduce Staff Turnover - Farm Management in Kenya.
In a study of 12 dairies, we found that staff turnover ranged from one to three digits. We recognize that there are many reasons for unsubscribing, but longevity should help improve your effectiveness. You can't really improve efficiency when workers are constantly changing. Therefore, review your hiring practices, your plan for preparing employees for work and performing their duties. When the above things are done correctly, they should reduce staff turnover.
Efficiency Starts With You As The Farm Manager - Farm Management in Kenya.
Your employees won't improve if you stay the same. Become a leader of people and show them that you respect and appreciate their lives. Develop employees to become valuable teammates to work with you to solve problems, improve the farm and improve your farm's work efficiency.
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