The equipment, machinery, and buildings on the farm directly influence working conditions. Substituting equipment and machinery for labor to make the job less physically demanding may help make a job attractive. Training programs to help equip an employee for the job responsibilities also are important to creating desirable working conditions. Because labor management involves getting things done through people, the labor manager must communicate with employees. The effectiveness of the communication will directly influence labor management success and labor turnover.
Verbal exchanges are important but more is required.
Writing, pictures, charts, posters, smiles, frowns, handshakes, shrugs, grunts, nods, gestures and even silence are means of communication. Communication can be ineffective. Effective communication involves being understood and getting desired results. Part of a labor manager's communication success involves being sensitive to communication barriers. The sensitivity may involve using words employees understand, encouraging them to ask questions, and avoiding harsh criticism of those who do not understand.