Stafforce’s Successful Partnership with GXO Logistics and Birds Eye

18/09/24

As the 2024 pea season draws to a close, we at Stafforce are proud to reflect on another year of supporting our long-standing partners, GXO Logistics and Birds Eye. We recruit, train, and manage the workforce needed to ensure a smooth and efficient pea harvesting season, and this year was no exception. Despite the inherent challenges of seasonal work, our dedicated teams were able to meet and exceed expectations, ensuring that operations ran smoothly from start to finish.

Highlights of the Pea Season

This year saw several key successes that reflect the strength of our recruitment and training processes:

Full Team Presence on Day 1: One of the most gratifying moments of the season was seeing all the staff we trained and prepared arrive on-site and ready to work on the first day. This seamless transition into operations is a testament to our rigorous recruitment and onboarding processes.
Efficient Cabin Staff Deployment: We introduced new cabin staff members this year, including planners working a 4×4 shift pattern. Pre-season training ensured they were well-equipped to hit the ground running, contributing to a strong start to the season.
Returning Payroll Administrator: Our payroll administrator returned for her second season, delivering another flawless performance. Week after week, the payroll process was handled with precision, ensuring workers were paid on time without any disruptions.
Successful BRC Audit: Passing the BRC audit was a significant achievement for the entire team, underscoring our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and quality throughout the season.
Shift Fulfilment: We are particularly proud of achieving a 99.78% fulfillment of shifts, reflecting our ability to effectively manage the workforce and ensure consistent attendance and performance across the board.

Challenges and How We Overcame Them

While every pea season comes with its share of challenges, our team was prepared to address them head-on. By working collaboratively with our partners and leveraging our extensive experience, we were able to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure smooth operations.

Crew Adjustments Due to Line Requirements: One challenge we regularly encounter is adjusting crew sizes when production line requirements change. This season was no different, with fluctuations at both the start and end of the season impacting manning levels. We addressed this by maintaining clear communication with our partners and swiftly adjusting rosters to meet changing needs without compromising productivity.
Seasonal Leavers: As with any seasonal work, there were staff who left throughout the season. However, we are pleased to report that the number of leavers was 50% lower than in 2023. By focusing on employee engagement and creating a positive work environment, we were able to retain more workers throughout the season, reducing the impact of attrition on operations.

Planning and Coordination During Pea Season

Several additional hurdles were anticipated and overcome through careful planning and coordination with GXO Logistics and Birds Eye:

Early Recruitment Drive: Recruitment for this season started as early as February 1st, giving us a five-month lead time to ensure we had a pool of qualified candidates ready to start in July. This early start allowed us to conduct thorough interviews, training, and onboarding to ensure a well-prepared workforce.
Training Around Academic Schedules: Many of our workers are students, so we had to coordinate term-time letters and work around university schedules to ensure they were eligible and available to work during July and August. In addition, specialised training such as chemical handling and pre-season on-the-job training was carefully scheduled around these commitments.
Line Manning Adjustments: As production needs evolved throughout the season, we had to be flexible in managing workforce levels. Our planning teams worked closely with operations to ensure smooth transitions when line requirements changed, particularly at the start and end of the season.
Managing Non-Starters: Out of the 370 workers who were registered and ready to begin work, 305 started on July 1st. While there were 65 non-starters, many of these individuals remained in contact with us and were successfully placed at other sites, ensuring they remained engaged with Stafforce.

This years season has once again demonstrated the value of strong partnerships, meticulous planning, and a flexible workforce. By working closely with GXO Logistics and Birds Eye, we were able to navigate the challenges of seasonal work, delivering excellent results across the board. Our team’s commitment to delivering top-notch recruitment, training, and operational support was critical to this success, and we are already looking forward to next year’s season.

With a 99.78% shift fulfillment rate and a 50% reduction in leavers compared to 2023, we are proud of the impact we’ve made in helping our partners achieve their goals this season. At Stafforce, we remain committed to providing exceptional support year after year, ensuring the continued success of the pea season for all involved.