Migrant workers become more and more important because they can fill labour and skill shortages. Recruiting migrants can be quite different from recruiting the local employees and new migrant workers may need lots of help to do their job better. Here are practical tips that help you better understand and support your migrant farm workers in their settlement into the workplace and better work performance. They can be good reference for farm owners, farm managers, co-workers of migrant workers.

Practical tips on employing migrant farm workers

1. Accommodation

- Imagine what you would need if you come to another country just with a suitcase. Consider supplying your new migrant workers with curtains; furniture (beds, chairs, table, etc.); bed sheets, blankets, pillows, towels; cutlery (knives, forks, spoons, etc.); crockery (dishes, plates, mugs, etc.); cleaning equipment; some basic foodstuffs; Internet connection

- Show such basics as how to use cleaning equipment, where to put the rubbish, what can and can’t go down the sink, etc.

- Let them know that you’ll inspect the house from time to time

- Set clear expectations about keeping the accommodation in good order

- Inform them about what will happen if there is any damage to the property

2. Clothing

- Provide right gear for your migrant workers to work on farm

- Supply them with protective clothing and equipment. Instruct them on how to use them.

3. Onboarding process

On arrival

- Show new migrant workers around their accommodation; explain the house rules; and instruct how to use the basics you have provided
- Show them where to buy food, clothes and other basic needs, the location of medical centers
- Let them know about social activities, religious groups they can join
- Ensure them have the right clothing they need for work
- Prepare a written list of tasks
- Prepare an employment agreement and give a copy to your new migrant worker
- Give them information about the local community and important contact details
- Have a system of recording hours of work and leave taken by your employees. This can help avoid labor disputes.

First day at work

- Welcome your new employees
- Meet with immediate supervisor
- Introduce them to ‘buddies’ or mentors
- Introduce them to team members
- Give them a tour to the workplace
- Give them the prepared documents about the job and workplace
- Show them how to use any important equipment
- Set up regular meetings with your migrant employees and their ‘buddy’ to help them become settled into the workplace

Next days

- Organize on-the-job or off-job training
- Give orientation program
- Organize some social activities for your migrant workers

4. Orientation

Orientation for your migrant workers can be helpful because it sets out your expectations, helps your new workers become familiar with your farm, and means fewer mistakes are made.

Orientation programs often include information about: the farm and the daily routine; people’s roles and responsibilities; your expectation about their work; their employment rights and obligations; health, safety and hazards.

For your new migrant workers, you may need to take such extra steps as:

- Give a basic farm manual: Migrant workers may find written instruction easier to understand than listening to the instructions. A manual is a useful way to share information. Make it short and simple, with photos or diagrams to explain tasks. A farm map is also helpful.
Pair your migrant employee up with a buddy. A buddy is someone that knows what to do and can work alongside with a migrant employee and explain things.

- Give a thorough orientation. Migrants are new to your dairy industry. They may have never operated a rotary milking system, handled and applied chemicals, used a chain saw, or been around a large herd before.

- Make sure your migrant workers can safely operate farm vehicles and machinery. Give training so that they can define hazardous tasks and/ or equipment that they can’t operate until they are fully trained. Steps in training can include: 1) show them; 2) watch them; 3) leave them to it, but check their work

Full article at http://vnmanpower.com/en/are-you-hiring-migrant-farm-workers-then-notice-these-things-bl252.html