Program to Help Businesses to Become the ‘Employer of Choice’

Purdue Extension will offer the Becoming the Employer of Choice program virtually starting on Sept. 17, 2024. This program, developed by University of Wisconsin Extension, is designed to help managers become an employer of choice, who can effectively compete for the best available employees.

In addition to the daily responsibilities of keeping an agricultural operation or small business running, managers must also become human resource specialists to find and retain the best employees. The program’s content aims to improve human resource skills through hands-on activities and interactive sessions. Content is applicable to both agribusinesses and small businesses.

"Industry has identified that the tight labor market and lack of labor currently available are issues," said Jennifer Logue, Purdue Extension educator in Union County. "As a manager, you have to objectively ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are and if your business or farm is the kind of place where people want to work. This program will help managers learn what they can do to attract the employees they are seeking."

Attendees will gain effective and practical approaches to managing human resource challenges in the office and on the farm. The program’s seven modules consist of:

  • 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
  • Learning ways to address and work through conflict

The “Becoming the Employer of Choice” series will run from noon– 1:00 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 24, and Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.  This program will be conducted virtually via Zoom and costs $40 for all seven sessions or $10 per individual session. Registration for this program is available at: https://tinyurl.com/BTEOC2024lunchnlearn . 

If you have questions about this event or need reasonable accommodations, contact Valerie Clingerman at [email protected] or (812) 882-3509.