🔎 Enhancing HRP and Work Design for Small Businesses: Insights from a Boutique Residential Developer:
As part of our Master’s studies, Wais Ibrahim and I recently completed a project on work design and human resource planning (HRP) at BINUS University, focusing on the developer of the Patterson Farms Community, located in Dalton, GA, USA. Patterson Farms LLC develops mixed-use, community-focused developments, a rare sight in small towns. We spoke with the CEO, lead sales manager, and investor Melanie Hönig to understand what HR strategies they use as a small, yet competitive, business.
🏗 Key Takeaways:
Work Design & Integration:
- Cross-Training: Training employees across multiple roles ensures flexibility and smooth operations, even during staff shortages and surpluses. This strategy has helped Patterson Farms endure times of crunch.
- Communication Channels: Foster horizontal management through monthly “Town Hall” style meetings that involve all employees and encourage suggestions and dialogue from anyone on any subject.
Collaborative Environment:
- Open Communication: If possible, provide private and communal workspaces for employees. Patterson Farms provides private offices and collaborative space. As a result, department managers often combine their efforts into projects for consistent understanding.
Employee Retention:
- Employee Engagement: Employers should ensure that employees understand the positive impact their work has on the community. For Patterson Farms LLC, that means getting employees involved in community events they host with residents.
- Celebrate Employees: Host extended, intentional birthday lunches every month. These are opportunities to show appreciation for specific individuals.
- Invest in Employees: Encourage and compensate them to further their education and skills through training courses and classes. This shows your employees that you are invested in them long-term and forms loyalty.
📈 Impact and Reflections:
Patterson Farms’ practices aren't just theoretical; they achieved record-breaking sales last month. Additionally, through fostering a highly supportive work environment, only one employee has parted ways in the past three years. Patterson Farms is an example of how organized and intentional HRP is important, even for small businesses. They do not just focus on making their employees happy; they also show them they are heard and are making a difference in their community. I'm eager to apply these insights to future endeavors and continue exploring innovative HR solutions.
Find out more about the Patterson Farms Community here:
Operations Manager at AHC | OEM & Private Label Diapers and Wet Wipes Manufacturing | Leading in Production & Planning Management | Process Optimization | Product Innovation | Green Field Projects Specialist
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