Creating Inclusive Spaces: Enhancing Retention Year-Round

The agricultural industry satisfies the fundamental needs of people worldwide, and there is a place for everyone in agriculture and food careers. The array of professions within the industry offers numerous opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and educational paths to discover their niche and make a meaningful impact. 

In a competitive marketplace, employers actively seek talent, while candidates prioritize opportunities that contribute to the greater good. The indispensable agri-food industry offers ideal career paths that align with job seekers' focus on making a positive impact. We want and need more people to consider agriculture and food a place where they belong. Diverse talent brings a variety of perspectives that foster innovation and contribute to business growth.  

With a growing emphasis on diversity and equity in recruitment, employers should extend their efforts to promote inclusion and a sense of belonging once individuals are on board; employers that consider this will see their efforts manifest into increased employee retention. 

Agriculture & food employers report that employee retention is their most concerning human resource matter today, according to the AgCareers.com HR Review. Employee retention was also the top noted recruitment-specific focus for agri-food employers. Successful employers intrinsically intertwine employee retention with inclusion and belonging programs. 

As we head into the holidays and the start of a New Year, it’s the ideal time to re-focus on ensuring all employees feel welcomed, valued, and included. Express your appreciation to employees and colleagues regularly, not just during the holidays, for their dedication to achieving goals, taking care of clients, and contributing to the accomplishment of business objectives. Employees and candidates alike want to know how their job contributes to the organization's overall success. To foster a sense of inclusion and belonging, invest time in explaining the significance of everyone’s role in contributing to business success. 

For more guidance on developing your diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategy,  check out the Online Employer Resource Library, or get in touch with agcareers@agcareers.com and we'll connect you with our network of experts.