Enhancing Workforce Engagement: Insights from USPOULTRY’s 2025 Conference

The recent USPOULTRY 2025 Workforce Success and Engagement Conference brought together industry leaders and human resource professionals to explore essential strategies for improving employee connection, retention, and workplace wellness.

Panel Discussion Highlights

A key panel discussion featured prominent HR managers, including Justina Brownlee from Pilgrim’s, Anne Guggenbiller of Cooper Farms, and Hannah Cagle from House of Raeford. The panel emphasized the urgency of addressing employee burnout and promoting open communication. They reiterated the importance of discussing career advancement with employees, helping them to understand necessary steps for growth, while also acknowledging the significance of work-life balance.

The panel members highlighted the role of clear communication in boosting morale, specifically the “why” behind tasks, which helps employees feel more involved in the organization. Small gestures, such as verbal expressions of gratitude, were also underscored as impactful ways to enhance employee satisfaction. The discussion was expertly moderated by Kenyell Carson, head of strategic initiatives at Pilgrim’s.

Retention and Recruitment Strategies

Insights on effective recruitment and retention strategies were shared by Bobby Riley, director of HR at Pilgrim’s; Dale Cook, director of HR operations at Mountaire Farms; and Ja Stephens, corporate director of HR at Claxton Poultry Farms. The experts stressed the importance of cultivating a workplace culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction.

Key strategies discussed included the consistent practice of offering praise and recognition, ensuring actions align with company values, and thoughtfully navigating generational differences within the workforce. Acknowledging the unique challenges of the poultry industry, they emphasized the value of verbal appreciation and strategies aimed at reinforcing employees’ sense of value within the organization.

Addressing Workplace Stress

Renowned stress and mental health expert Dr. Tami West highlighted the necessity of effective communication while discouraging competitive stress comparisons among colleagues. West encouraged individuals to seek balance and recognize that everyone has their unique journey. She urged the importance of establishing workplace boundaries and fostering an encouraging language that promotes motivation and empathy.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” West advised, reinforcing the message that seeking support is a crucial component of workplace health.

Audience Engagement and Future Events

The conference also featured interactive segments, allowing audience members to contribute to the discussions. For those interested in further professional development, more information regarding upcoming seminars can be found on USPOULTRY’s website.

Source: US Poultry & Egg Association