b'Wrapping Up a Competitive Benefits PackageIndependent seed companies are ramping up their benefits packages to show how unique their businesses can be. Alex Martin amartin@issuesink.comWE ALL KNOWemployee retention is a difficult task, butWe shouldnt just vet interviewees when they come into the the initial challenge amongst independent seed companies isoffice, says John Wyffels, president of Wyffels Hybrids. We the challenge of getting talent to sign on with your company.want potential employees to vet us as well.Larger companies can offer bigger salaries, so independentWyffels believes that by having interviewees vet Wyffels seed companies have been hard at work creating unique benefitHybrids as a company, they have the ability to determine whether packages to make their company more competitive. However,or not theyd fit into the company. However, he adds that one not all of these benefits are strictly tangible, like dental andunique portion they can add is the ability to empower their healthcare. Some of these benefits only come with the flexibilityemployees, and ensure they feel like theyre a part of the process. that independent companies can provide. We want everyone in our business to feel empowered, and For example, have you ever heard of a Joy Squad? The Joywe want them to really own their roles, he says. Our organiza-Squad is just one way that Peterson Farms Seed is working totion is different than larger companies because were pretty flat. make life more enjoyable during the work week. Decision making lies with the people who are in charge, and we The Joy Squad comes together to spread happiness acrossdont expect five levels of review before a decision gets made. By all of our staff, says Julie Peterson, vice president of Petersonempowering our employees, they feel enabled to make decisions Farms Seed. They come up with some crazy ideas to make thethroughout their jobs.workweek just a little more fun for everyone.One way the Joy Squad has worked to tackle challenges inRespecting and Appreciatingthe office is by providing a space to relax during the workday.Another thing that both Peterson Farms Seed and Wyffels can Last year, we actually hosted a Mario Kart day, Petersonagree on as a benefit to both companies: respect.says. On National Mario Kart Day, the Joy Squad set up MarioWe call it mutual respect, or just working together as a Kart games in our large meeting room for team members to playteam, Wyffels says. Its being a part of the extended family. throughout the day. It encouraged employees to get to knowWe try to be intentional about making sure we bring the entire their neighbors and provided a stress release during the day.employee family together at least once a year, because everyone But, a joy squad isnt the only thing that independent busi- is a part of the family business.nesses can offer their employees as far as benefits go. There areAnother benefit that comes with this mutual respect is your plenty of other benefits that come with the job. voice, he continues. Youre able to speak your mind. You can 44/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2020'