Dairy NZ

Plan with your people

• Review the autumn period with the team – what went well? What could be done better? Make sure the lessons are learnt for next season
• Review objectives and plans for winter / spring management with staff. Make sure everyone is prepared for the routine and their responsibilities over calving. Undertake performance appraisals for all staff
• Complete final paper work and exit interviews if you have staff moving on. What can you learn to make yourself a better employer?
• New staff? Get the following in place before new staff begin working on farm:
• Employment agreement – signed by both parties before they start work
• Orientation plan
• Dates in your diary to make sure you have the time to conduct an effective orientation programme.
• Tenancy agreement (if providing accommodation)
• Annual staff roster
• Communication is often a challenge when new staff come on board. Could setting regular team meetings help?
• If you will be a first time employer in 2011 make sure you have a look at the IRD Guide to Becoming an Employer (http://www.ird.govt.nz/payroll-employers/become-employer) which tells you all you need to know about the forms you need to complete.

For more information:

• DairyNZ HR toolkit
• DairyNZ Compliance Toolkit
• DairyNZ Career Pathways Tool