Many of us began our love of produce as entry-level, part-time employees at the retail level. That experience provided a stepping-stone toward a career in our exciting industry. Back in the day, only the brightest and hardest working were given the opportunity to work in the produce department. Today, a large percentage of retail produce managers and many of the middle- and upper-level produce leaders — in all aspects of the industry — began their careers as a retail produce part-timer.

The challenge of attracting, training and retaining those part-timers that will become tomorrow’s produce leaders is becoming much more difficult. United States unemployment rates are at 3.7 percent as of September, the lowest rate since 1969. The economy has added jobs for eight straight years, so the competition for part-time help is fierce. Currently there are 29 states and the District of Columbia that require retailers to pay more than the federal minimum wage, but experience does not always mean extra pay. Many retailers rely on part-time staffers for a significant portion of their hours, often the majority. Today’s retail employees are expected to work weekends, nights and holidays, that’s a barrier. Supermarket margins are notoriously slim and things like the rising cost of product, transportation, real estate, health care, utilities and insurance have added pressure to profits. Often, the training budgets are tight as a result.

So there are challenges to attracting retail produce help for sure. But, as we all know, this is a great industry and there are many things to love about it. In the produce department, the fruits and vegetables are the actual theater providing a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, aromas and ever-changing seasons. Produce is the department that keeps people healthy, and as a result, continues to grow in sales every year.

Working in produce, associates can learn something new every day about product origin, new varieties, display building, handing, usage or preparation. This keeps their minds sharp. Change is inevitable, and the rate of change has never been more rapid. There are always new ideas, new ways to tie-in items and creative new display ideas. There are fantastic learning opportunities at industry trade shows that range from local to international. The biggest draw to the industry may be the great people. There is strong comaraderie and competition to be the best at the same time. Produce folks are a tight knit group with friendships that are often life-long.

So how do you attract and retain great retail produce help? Some companies are succeeding and building the path for our future produce leaders. It starts with developing your produce managers so that they can, in turn, develop their team. Training remains a priority in the best companies and it is ongoing and maintained at all levels. Produce managers are continually provided the latest information on current product availability, new varieties, usage, preparation and storage. At the same time, they are given the freedom to be creative with their own department displays and tie-ins. They are invited to seminar style learning events, visit farms and packinghouses, read the produce publications, visit the distribution centers and receive plenty of one on one time as well.

The successful produce managers communicate daily with his or her team, starting each shift with clearly communicated updates and game plans for the day. They share their knowledge with their team and interact with customers proactively, setting the example for their department’s customer service. They set measurable yet achievable expectations and provide follow up feedback — both positive and negative. They know that celebrating successes on both the individual and team level is critically important.

Ultimately, working in produce should be fun. Successful produce managers share responsibilities with their staff, and they are happier and challenged. They recognize the talents and abilities of their team and place them in positions where they can utilize their strengths. They will advocate for promotion and growth for their best individuals and use their own career experience as an example of what others can achieve. These are the foundations for retaining talented produce help and introducing them to our great industry.