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GRAPE GRO WING are difficult and tedious, yet they are absolutely critical for the company's vision to be realized. If the people doing these jobs can see they are important contributions to achieving the company's goals, they will likely have good job satisfaction no matter what tasks they are asked to perform. A guide to creating a sustainable vision can be found either in the "Lodi Winegrower's Workbook 2nd Edition"1 or in the Companion Document for the "Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing."2 There are many other things that affect job satisfaction. One of the most difficult to discuss and possibly implement is increased wages and/or benefits. However, if we are honest with ourselves, most of us gain some if not a lot of job satisfaction from how much we are compensated for our work. It tells us our worth to the company in very direct terms. There are many indirect ways to build job satisfaction, too. Promoting an open, fun and productive work environment is one. Another is convening fun and imagina- tive team-building events. A third is a formal system that recogniz- es employees for years of service, job performance or commitment to helping achieve the company's vision. Developing an effective human resources management program, particularly if you work in a large company, involves a lot of planning, designing, implementing and evaluating practices. I will present a basic outline, but for more information a good reference is the human resources management chapter that Dr. Liz Thach of Sonoma State University wrote for the "Lodi Winegrower's Work- book 2nd Edition."1 Human resource management can be divided into at least four major topic areas: 1) staffing and recruiting, 2) training and orga- nizational development, 3) employee relations and 4) compensa- tion and benefits. Staffing and recruiting By establishing a strategic staffing, recruiting and retention plan, you will ensure your company has the correct number of employ- ees and appropriate skills you need to achieve your sustainable vi- sion and business strategy. Not retaining good employees is costly. The current estimate for the cost of replacing an employee is 1.5 times their annual salary. This figure is arrived at by adding up the cost to recruit a new employee, downtime, potential overtime or temporary employee costs, costs of management time to interview new employees, cost to orient and train the new employee and po- tential unemployment costs. Good staffing and recruiting involves job descriptions for each position, a standard interview process and an established orientation program for new employees. Have employees participate in creating the company vision. It will help them see their role in making the vision a reality. Training and organizational development Good training and organizational development not only ensures you and your employees have the skills needed to accomplish vineyard work, it will also increase job satisfaction, which has been proven to enhance job performance. Safety training is regu- lated, so it is important to be up to date on the requirements. New practices are constantly being developed for improving winegrape quality and other aspects of sustainable winegrowing, so it is im- portant that you keep informed by reading trade journals, attend- Certified Lab testing Above State requirements Top Notch Service... Classic wines…and superior vines…don't grow overnight. They must be nurtured slowly and meticulously. It starts from the very beginning with Vintage Nurseries. Our seasoned professionals not only create the perfect growing conditions, but eagerly dispense expert advice and tend to every detail. Whether in our nursery or your vineyard, we answer all of your questions and offer suggestions, so that you can feel confident with the selections you've made. At Vintage Nurseries those selections are, like our service, a cut above. The result? Vintage quality, year after year. 661-758-4777 Wasco Paso Robles 805-237-8914 209-523-8036 Modesto 8 0 0 - 4 9 9 - 9 0 1 9 www.VintageNurseries.com Serving the Wine, Table Grape and Raisin Industries Santa Rosa 707-542-5510 Wines & Vines MAY 2011 79