Beef and dairy operators can help ensure proper employee guidance
Dairy and beef cattle operations looking for help training employees can benefit from the newest service offered by PeopleFirst Human Capital Solutions from Zoetis. The Learning Management Portal is available online to give producers the tools and curriculum they need to properly train and manage employees, ensuring a safe, more effective and productive business long term.New employees who join an operation need proper training and education for a smooth transition into the workplace - also known as onboarding. And veteran employees need refreshers on animal handling and other operating procedures. While finding time in a busy work day to train employees is difficult, it is essential to improve business performance and reduce operational risk. Without training, the business can suffer.
"Onboarding new employees is one of the most vital components of any operation," said Nicolas Buttars, PeopleFirst business solutions manager for Zoetis. "Proper onboarding programs can help reduce an operation's risk by helping all employees better understand and comply with company, community and regulatory standards for animal safety, care and wellness. It also drives employee perceptions and employee engagement. Good onboarding makes employees more likely to stay, to be engaged and be more productive for you and your business."
Onboarding programs that increase employee engagement can boost performance by 20% and reduce the probability of departure by 87%, according to the Human Resources Corporate Leadership Council. When an employee leaves, businesses can expect to pay up to 150% of the employee's salary to cover the cost of finding and training a replacement. For business owners, there is a clear financial incentive to ensure proper onboarding.
With assistance from online training, employers have the convenience to implement proper guidance without disrupting work efficiency. The PeopleFirst Learning Management Portal assures producers in animal agriculture that their employees are gaining necessary insight on industry and operational practices and regulatory standards from day one. The interactive portal and curriculum allow employees to train online when their schedules allow. The portal features bilingual learning modules and opportunities for continuous education on subjects such as cattle anatomy, feeding and employee safety.
"It is a big benefit to have employees with knowledge of the industry they are working in," Buttars said. "Through interactive training modules and specialized subjects, they are receiving the best information possible about the industry and individual operation."
The online curriculum also allows employers to track employee learning progress to guarantee efficiency and accountability while reducing training costs. It frees up the time of supervisors and minimizes the operation's risk. By tracking progress, employers can see when courses are completed and hold employees accountable for improving animal care and compliance.
"There is little time for error in animal agriculture operations," Buttars said. "The Learning Management Portal creates flexibility for employers and employees with a cost-effective way to properly train employees. Proper training means increased engagement and productivity from employees, and reduced risk for the employer."
To learn more about the benefits of integrating the Learning Management Portal into your training program, watch this video. For information on how PeopleFirst consultants can assist your operation or to sign up for the portal, contact your Zoetis representative or visit growpeoplefirst.com.
About Zoetis
Zoetis (z?-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2012, the company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion. With approximately 9,300 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2013, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information on the company, visit www.zoetisUS.com.
Zoetis is the proud sponsor with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibitions and the American Veterinary Medical Association of the mobile educational exhibit Animal Connections: Our Journey Together. Families visiting the exhibit will explore the vast bonds between people and animals and learn about the important role veterinarians play in protecting animal and human health. For more information, visit http://www.zoetis.com/animal-connections-tour/.
9.26.2013