Michael Dykes spoke about IDFA's new HR initiatives in the dairy industry
Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), reaffirmed the dairy industry's commitment to creating a culture that promotes the professional development and empowerment of all people at the 2023 IDF World Dairy Summit, The DairyNews reports.
Michael Dykes highlighted IDFA's workforce strategy - programs that attract and support dairy industry leaders at all levels working to create world-class jobs in a variety of manufacturing and operating environments - from dairy processing plants to office buildings and remote work sites.
“The future of the dairy industry and our ability to remain globally competitive depends on developing the workforce of the future, developing the next generation of leaders and empowerment, and supporting diversity in leadership positions,” said Michael Dykes. - IDFA and its members are committed to creating an industry that is supportive and inclusive of anyone who has the interest and skills to help us bring sustainable dairy nutrition to as many people as possible around the world. If there is a common priority in our industry, it is PEOPLE - recruiting a skilled workforce, ensuring policies and incentives support people, ensuring their health and safety, and working conditions that are fair and inclusive for all people.”
Michael Dykes said the trade association developed IDFA's workforce strategy in 2019 to support the ability of individuals in the dairy industry at all career levels to advance and grow our industry. “People Strategy” has expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many current and future employees began to question their career choices. Today, this program supports emerging leaders (NextGen Leadership Program and IDFA Leadership Symposium), women (Women in Dairy Network), professionals (Dairy Human Resources Leaders), DEI professionals and their employees (Dairy Company), including a partnership with college affiliates.
“We take a comprehensive approach,” Dykes said. “The work we do to identify and remove barriers to women's success in the workplace is just one example of people strategy in action.”
In his speech to the IDF World Dairy Summit, Dykes announced three new IDFA initiatives.
HR Strategy Initiatives:
- IDFA will present a new Workplace of the Year award in January at the 2024 Dairy Forum in partnership with Dairy Processing magazine. The award will go to an outstanding IDFA member company that has developed a policy to promote a positive employee experience.
- In March 2024, IDFA will host its first annual IDFA Women's Summit in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and empower women in the dairy industry.
The summit will bring together new and established leaders to promote gender equality, strengthen leadership skills, and advocate for the dairy industry's top policy priorities.
- IDFA is also conducting its first annual State of Women in the Dairy Study, which will be used to improve recruiting and gender equity in U.S. dairies. IDFA will publish survey results at the 2024 Dairy Forum. The annual survey builds on research conducted by IDFA among member companies in spring 2023. According to it, 61% of respondents believe that gender played a role in their raise, promotion, key assignment or chance to advance.
Photo: courtesy of IDFA
“The future of the dairy industry and our ability to remain globally competitive depends on developing the workforce of the future, developing the next generation of leaders and empowerment, and supporting diversity in leadership positions,” said Michael Dykes. - IDFA and its members are committed to creating an industry that is supportive and inclusive of anyone who has the interest and skills to help us bring sustainable dairy nutrition to as many people as possible around the world. If there is a common priority in our industry, it is PEOPLE - recruiting a skilled workforce, ensuring policies and incentives support people, ensuring their health and safety, and working conditions that are fair and inclusive for all people.”
Michael Dykes said the trade association developed IDFA's workforce strategy in 2019 to support the ability of individuals in the dairy industry at all career levels to advance and grow our industry. “People Strategy” has expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many current and future employees began to question their career choices. Today, this program supports emerging leaders (NextGen Leadership Program and IDFA Leadership Symposium), women (Women in Dairy Network), professionals (Dairy Human Resources Leaders), DEI professionals and their employees (Dairy Company), including a partnership with college affiliates.
“We take a comprehensive approach,” Dykes said. “The work we do to identify and remove barriers to women's success in the workplace is just one example of people strategy in action.”
In his speech to the IDF World Dairy Summit, Dykes announced three new IDFA initiatives.
HR Strategy Initiatives:
- IDFA will present a new Workplace of the Year award in January at the 2024 Dairy Forum in partnership with Dairy Processing magazine. The award will go to an outstanding IDFA member company that has developed a policy to promote a positive employee experience.
- In March 2024, IDFA will host its first annual IDFA Women's Summit in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and empower women in the dairy industry.
The summit will bring together new and established leaders to promote gender equality, strengthen leadership skills, and advocate for the dairy industry's top policy priorities.
- IDFA is also conducting its first annual State of Women in the Dairy Study, which will be used to improve recruiting and gender equity in U.S. dairies. IDFA will publish survey results at the 2024 Dairy Forum. The annual survey builds on research conducted by IDFA among member companies in spring 2023. According to it, 61% of respondents believe that gender played a role in their raise, promotion, key assignment or chance to advance.
Photo: courtesy of IDFA
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