Careers in Produce: Retention using the basics

At its essence, success in attracting and retaining talent is simply about providing a desirable working environment.

“The best recruitment strategy is an exceptional retention strategy,” says Kristen Reid, executive vice president at MIXTEC Group BB #:152072, an executive search and recruiter located in La Crescenta, CA, who points out that the fundamentals have not changed much over the years. “Companies must foster and promote a reputation as a place where people want to work.  

“Talented individuals are drawn to and stay with companies that value their employees, offer ample opportunities for career progression, and provide training and development programs that will enhance their skillsets,” she adds. “Ensuring that compensation ranges are keeping up with market rates is also critical.”

Steve Grinstead, CEO at FreshEdge, LLC in Indianapolis, IN, believes retaining talent is “heavily dependent on supervisors and middle management.

Most people don’t leave bad jobs—they leave bad bosses. We need to spend more time training our leaders at all levels on how to train and treat their teams with the compassion and respect they deserve.”

“The key to remember is that we’re competing with all other industries,” says Rex Lawrence, president of Sacramento, CA-based Joe Produce, LLC, BB #:364007. “Benefits, compensation, personal time, and a nice work environment and culture continue to grow in importance each year. It’s a continual process of evaluation and adjustment.”

“Employers looking to retain talent should be focused on taking care of their employees with the best possible means of support,” says Tracey Lewin, vice president of sales and operations at the Allen Lund Company, LLC BB #:107465 in La Canada, CA, “from great training, compensation, and benefits to providing consistent feedback, direction, and a pathway to further success.

“Word of mouth and referrals still stand out as one of the best ways to combat recruiting challenges,” she concludes.

This is an excerpt from the cover story in the September/October 2023 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole issue.

Image sources are either licensed or customer-provided.