US: What motivates ag industry employees?

AgCareers.com conducted an online survey to help agricultural industry companies develop stronger benefit and incentive packages for their employees. The survey included questions to help employers understand what motivates employees.
For 97% of the respondents, benefit and reward programs were important to an employee’s overall job satisfaction at some level. Nearly 30% were dissatisfied with their current or recent employer’s total rewards program.

A friendly and amiable work environment is important to 90% of respondents, who agreed at some level that the relationships developed with their coworkers greatly impact their satisfaction with their employer. There was no difference between genders in response to this question.

Employers’ efforts to be innovative and make industry advancements also impacted overall employee satisfaction for more than 90% of respondents.
The most valued reward/benefit for each generation was health care benefits. Generation X and Baby Boomers selected retirement savings plans as one of the most valued benefits. Generation Y put more value on flexibility and opportunities for advancement.

Source: HortAmericas Newsletter October 2013