Employee onboarding is the process of helping new employees settle into their roles to ensure a positive start to their employment. This page outlines a comprehensive step-by-step guide for dairy farmers to follow.

DairyNZ is committed to supporting everyone working in dairy farming to feel valued, motivated and to enjoy their job. This supports our sector goal of great people in great jobs, in great workplaces.

Coaches and mentors play vital roles in helping individuals navigate their careers and workplaces. While they serve distinct purposes, both offer valuable guidance and empowerment.

Creating a career plan with employees in a farming business benefits both the employee and employer. Offering opportunities for employees to advance their career goals is highly valuable for employers too.

Leave is a legal entitlement for employees in New Zealand, covering various types such as annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and breaks.

It’s crucial for any business to prioritise providing fair remuneration to employees, recognising their value to the operation, and acknowledging their freedom to choose where they work.

An employment agreement defines the rules of the working relationship between the employee and the farm owner/manager on a dairy farm. It must be in writing, and the employer is responsible for arranging it.

A well-designed roster meets both employer and employee needs, while also ensuring there are enough people with the right skills available to complete the work.

Like many sectors in New Zealand, dairy faces the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining good people. Understanding both what employees are looking for and current labour market trends is essential when creating a job in your business.

Investing in your people can provide multiple benefits to them and your business. Incorporating a training plan for both new and existing employees is a way to show you value and support them and their careers.

A great team working well together can really benefit your farming business. DairyNZ surveys employees every year about their job satisfaction and what factors drive employee engagement.

Having a drug and alcohol policy in place on your farm is essential to ensure a safe work environment. Learn how to develop this policy, what to do if you suspect an employee is under the influence of drugs, and where to get support.

Good employee accommodation on-farm is vital for maintaining a positive relationship between employer and employee. Here we help you understand the legal requirements as a landlord, expectations of both parties, and where to get more information.

Use this calculator to work out annual leave entitlement for your employees.