Labor Management Options Mechanized equipment and guest worker programs are strategies that can address the risk issues associated with an uncertain supply of seasonal farmworkers and, to a certain extent, address some of the social issues that surround migrant seasonal farmworkers. However, these strategies rely on people, events, and conditions that are beyond the direct control of a grower or farm owner. A farm manager has, at his or her disposal, management options that could address the same risk issues harvesting machines and guest worker programs attempt to allay. Farmworker income, non-wage benefits, and training are three options under the control of individual growers and may serve to manage some of the risks associated with seasonal farmworkers. Employers who are concerned about the availability of their workers need to start with an understanding of what motivates their workers.
Income is the first incentive that comes to mind.
However, other issues may be important to workers and may provide powerful incentives if employers are in a position to implement them. For an employer who hires working parents, particularly women with small children, providing childcare at the work site may represent a significant benefit, which may translate into greater employee loyalty and lower rates of absenteeism. In the case of seasonal farmworkers, many of whom come from foreign countries, it may be important to understand a worker's long-term objectives. Income is a basic motivation for any employment. For many agricultural jobs that involve repeated tasks, a piece rate system is a common method of payment.