Supporting workers from diverse cultures

Larger farms especially see labour as their biggest challenge.

As finding skilled workers remains difficult, many dairy farmers have started hiring sponsored migrant workers, backpackers, refugees and recently arrived local immigrants.

In a recent survey, 42 per cent of dairy farmers who recently hired new staff said they had employed workers from overseas, and 52 per cent said they would likely do so in the future.

First Nations employees also bring different cultural backgrounds to the workplace.

While this pool of workers is a welcome addition to a workforce that may historically have been sourced from a neighbouring farm, people from diverse cultural backgrounds can often need additional support and training to succeed.

Language barriers, different cultural norms, lack of dairy experience and unclear expectations are just a few of the many challenges that face employers and employees coming together from different backgrounds.

To make the experience positive for both employers and employees, Murray Dairy is offering a ‘one-to-one’ service to local farmers starting next year.

This service will include farm visits and follow-up conversations to discuss challenges and share successful strategies that others have used.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you might continue to develop a positive relationship with workers from different backgrounds, contact Shane Byrne through this link: https://bit.ly/CaLD-EOI

– From Murray Dairy.