According to the National FARM program, dairies providing housing for their employees is a valuable benefit for farm workers. They share that many dairy farms are in rural areas where housing can be scarce. Farm owners can offer housing, which in turn offers benefits to the employee like:
- Reduce the burden on employees to find housing in areas with limited options
- Avoid a long commute for employees
- Provide a housing option that is of lower cost than other options in the area
- Attract high-quality workers
FARM says that properly managed housing gives dairy farm workers and their families a place to rest, relax and make memories. But without proper management, housing can quickly become a headache and a liability for farm owners and managers.
Jennie Everson with Agri-Placement Services says they like to have the employee housing reviewed monthly to keep on top of things.
“We also provide a safety and housing item checklist which we feel is necessary to supply employees with,” she says. “Especially if they are more migrant than established with families living in the area.”
FARM says they think it’s best to have at least two shared housing goals between the managers and employees. They should include:
- Provide safe, healthy and comfortable housing for workers
- Maintain housing in a good state of repair for the health and enjoyment of current and future occupants.
Farmers/managers have the added goal to minimize property damage to decrease operational costs and maintain the value of the housing investment.
The Managing Employee Housing FARM Human Resources Reference Manual covers legal considerations and management recommendations to promote safe, clean and comfortable living spaces for dairy farm workers. It also provides a management checklist, shared goals, legal context, written housing agreement, maintenance and more.
