What Dairy Employees Think About Their Jobs

¹ University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824

Although technological developments in milking equipment have greatly affected how cows are milked today, there still is no substitute for high quality employees to do the job. Researchers have often overlooked the impact that the milker has on the quality and quantity of milk produced. To gain an understanding of what employees think about their jobs, 30 people were interviewed throughout New Hampshire. All personnel surveyed had primarily milking responsibilities, and their comments provided insights into the characteristics of milkers as well as their frustrations when proper accommodations were lacking. Employers often thought that they would satisfy workers with wages, job security, and promotions. However, employees placed a higher priority on appreciation for work done well and on being invited to give input into the decision- maki ng process.

Key Words: employees • labor • management

Submitted on June 23, 1992
Accepted on January 28, 1993