Having spent a lot of time encouraging and overseeing the training of young men and women, only to see them become disillusioned by an inconsiderate first employer and subsequently leave the industry, New Zealand farm employment specialist John Fegan turned the problem around. Instead of trying to identify the bad employers why not highlight the good ones? This gave rise to Quality Farm Employers of New Zealand (QFENZ).

QFENZ is an organisation whose members are committed to providing a quality workplace and career options for their employees. It will assist its members to deliver employment practices on farm in a manner that benefits both the employers and the employees. The emphasis is on developing and supporting people to grow the business.

The QFENZ members commit to an independent annual assessment of their workplace to ensure their practises continue to develop. As a result employees can have confidence in choosing to work for a QFENZ member and the employer can be confident they are doing all they can to build farm performance and job satisfaction.

There are three levels of membership.

1. Provisional-The employer undertakes a membership assessment and displays commitment to achieve the Full Membership Standard within an agreed period of time.
2. Full member-The employer demonstrates the core principles required to meet the QFENZ Full Member Standard. The employer has proven their ability to meet the intent of the group's core principles.
3. Advanced member-The employer delivers upon the core principles required to meet both QFENZ Full Membership and Advanced Member Standard. The employer has proven their ability to consistently meet and exceed the group's core principles. An Advanced Member gains international recognition as an "Investor in People" organisation.

The core principles are commitment to people's growth, development and well-being planning to achieve effective outcomes for the business and the individuals action to turn planning into effective results and evaluation of performance to ensure continuous improvements for the business and its staff.

This has given rise to member benefits including:

• Access to a defined standard for employment practices on farm
• Improved business performance through staff development
• Being recognised as an employer of choice
• Networking with like-minded people

The ability to:

• Attract and retain good people for their business
• Build capability and competitiveness
• Develop employees to their full potential
• A satisfying workplace with employees who are motivated and aligned to a common vision.

The benefits to employees are:

• Consistent and fair treatment in the workplace
• A satisfying career path with growth potential within the group
• Ongoing development and upskilling
• Good management and support on the job
• Being part of an effective and winning team
• Contact with people who are willing and able to support their best interests.

QFENZ is gaining recognition in New Zealand. Its members are setting standards and, above all, proving that when you take the issue seriously and pay attention to the people involved, you can keep well-trained and motivated staff on your farm.

Back to Fresh Start and Share to Farm: creating opportunities from change