Lisa 1121
I got thinking the other day while chatting with a few different clients at a tradeshow, about how businesses have been operating with staff shortages.
Back in the day, we dragged ourselves to work sick. The norm was to plough through no matter how ill we felt. We heard statements like, the show must go on, or the mail must get through no matter what. Now, once there’s the sign of a sniffle nobody wants to be nearby and people call in sick even if their roommate is ill.
It’s clear that some of us tend to need more time off than others and tend to take a day off here and there to stay home and recoup, regroup or recharge. I’m not saying that a recharge isn’t needed, or that some aren’t more sensitive than others. There certainly has been more stress these past few years, especially now with costs and interest rates rising. The business owners I spoke with have had to pick up the slack and also have evolved to accept, adapt and adjust work schedules to accommodate this new way of working. This may not apply to growers who will say, “farming never stops,” but perhaps they have felt it too. Check out our survey inside this issue to read more thoughts.
Also, thinking about our children who have gone back to ‘regular’ school, and are expected to adhere to the same schedules and be taught in the ‘usual’ manner. Let’s not forget what they went through these past few years and maybe need a little compassion or the odd recoup day? You might say, buck up! But how can we all do better and help those who need a little extra? I’ve become surprised, but also accustomed, to going to a store and finding it closed for the day. Maybe we are meant to slow down a bit.
Speaking of compassion and understanding, some very tough conversations will be happening at an upcoming meeting with the fruit growers and the packing house in Peachland on November 22. This issue will have already been printed, so watch online for an update. Let’s hope that good decisions can be reached.
All the best to you and your families over the holidays!
From all of us at Orchard & Vine
Enjoy the magazine!