Program to help businesses to become the "Employer of Choice"

In addition to the daily responsibilities of keeping an agricultural operation running, farm managers, owners, and agribusiness providers also have to become human resource specialists in their quest to find and retain the best employees.

To help develop those skills, Purdue Extension will offer the Becoming the Employer of Choice program virtually starting on August 1, 2022. This popular program, developed by University of Wisconsin Extension, is designed to improve human resource skills through hands-on activities and interactive sessions.

"An issue identified in the ag industry is the tight labor market and lack of labor currently available," said Jenna Nees, Purdue Extension educator in Putnam County. "You have to objectively ask yourself what are your strengths and weaknesses as a manager and if your farm or business is the kind of place where people want to work. This program will help managers become an employer of choice who can successfully compete for the best available employees."

Becoming the Employer of Choice will run from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, & 16.  The program will be held via Zoom. Register for this program at <https://bit.ly/2022employerofchoice>. The cost is $40. If you have questions about this event or need reasonable accommodations, contact Amanda Mosiman at <bailey1@purdue.edu>. While this virtual training has a focus in agriculture, the leadership and management principles and techniques can be applicable across different types of businesses. 

Attendees will gain effective and practical approaches to managing human resource challenges on the farm. The program consists of seven modules addressing how different leadership styles are used on the farm; reducing mis-hires and turnover through hiring best practices; learning about organizational culture and how it impacts employee motivation and engagement; identifying keys to create a motivating environment; learning how to effectively communicate expectations to employees; developing skills to provide effective feedback; and learning ways to address and work through conflict.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events.  Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm.  Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request.  It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs.  While many publications are free, some do have a fee.  All times listed are Eastern Time.  Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming Events:

July 22-29 – Putnam County 4-H Fair

July 25 – Book to Barn, 11am or 3pm, late registrations accepted at sampsona@purdue.edu

Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, & 16 – Becoming the Employer of Choice, Virtual, 9:30-11 am, $40, register at https://bit.ly/2022employerofchoice

Aug. 4 – ServSafe Food Managers 1-Day Course and Online Exam, 9am-4pm, register by July 28 at www.purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Dining with Diabetes, 2-3:30pm, FREE, register at 765-653-8411 or sampsona@purdue.edu