I was Zoom-chatting with our editor, Tom, earlier today about a new department he'll be introducing in the print edition of Meatingplace in 2022: Called "Backbone," it will shine a light each month on a production employee whose work is critical in keeping the meat supply chain moving.

I can't wait. This promises to be some of the best reading of the whole book (and with the team of writers and editors we have, that's saying something). I've always loved it when, during a plant visit, I've been able to converse with the extraordinary people who work there — besides the executives I'd scheduled the interview with.

Which leads me to a question: When was the last time you had a conversation with someone not wearing a supervisor's hard hat? Not just pleasantries — do you know why they have that job in your facility, what their goals are, what they're doing for Thanksgiving?

I'm not talking about having a full dossier on every temp worker brought in to help during the busy times. I am talking about having substantive conversations about something other than the weather with the people who are responsible for the quality of the product that bears the company's brand.

I get it; a fair number of plant employees want to clock in, do their thing, clock out and get on with their lives. But a fair number also would like their jobs to be more meaningful. Wages and benefits are increasing, but human resources research consistently shows that feeling your work contributes to a larger goal and your presence is valued is a far greater factor in reducing turnover and being able to recruit top-quality employees than mere money.

The need to recruit labor has plagued the meat industry for years, and has become more acute since the pandemic hit. A conversation with a guy on the deboning line isn't going to solve that. But it will help in understanding what his needs are and how you can help. And the best thing? It didn't cost a dime.

Where's your 'Backbone'?

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