Worker hiring process transformed
A simple digital tool known as PICMI has transformed how growers and contractors hire their seasonal workforce in New Zealand and from overseas, as COVID restrictions continue.
The tool speeds up the process of hiring seasonal workers by up to 70 per cent, and job seekers know straight away if they have a job or not.
PICMI has helped the Reekie Family Trust hire its Recognised Seasonal Employer workforce directly from Vanuatu for its Te Puke orchards.
Seasonal workers from Vanuatu can now sign employment contracts online from their home village for the first time, saving significant time and travel costs in the hiring process. The signed contract is the first step for employers in starting the visa application process for returning overseas workers.
In the past, prospective seasonal workers from Vanuatu could add weeks to their application process because they would need to travel from their island homes to the capital, Port Vila, to complete forms and medical checks. Employers also had to wait and constantly check progress before starting the visa application process.
Says PICMI co-founder, Genevieve Griffin-george: “We are excited to be able to support the hiring of returning workers in Vanuatu. Workers aren't required to repeat medicals if they are returning within the allotted time. By enabling contracts to be signed online via phone or tablet, workers don't have to leave home to start the application process—which is stressful, costly and now unnecessary.”
The Reekie Family Trust started the visa application process earlier than expected due to PICMI helping to streamline the process—and its first team of eight seasonal workers arrived from Vanuatu before Christmas.
Michelle Reekie says hiring a seasonal workforce is a time consuming and difficult process at any time, let alone with the impacts of COVID.
“Going digital with PICMI has transformed how we hire seasonal workers in New Zealand and overseas, allowing us to hire returning workers from Vanuatu directly for the first time this season. We've streamlined the hiring process with documents online and secure contract signing.
“I'd forgotten how difficult and timeconsuming it was before. We used to have to physically pass the paperwork to Vanuatu labour services who made duplicates and then required our prospective workers to travel from outer islands to sign the papers. This would then need to be scanned and sent to us. PICMI is really easy for job seekers too as they no longer have to travel to sign contracts.”
Seasonal labour shortages are a problem globally and a well-known challenge in New Zealand. PICMI fast-tracks the process of building a seasonal workforce and creates more certainty for job seekers and employers.
“This year, securing seasonal workers is even more critical,” says Genevieve.
“As a result, growers are looking for better tools to speed up hiring seasonal workers. Using our cloudbased tool, prospective workers can have the security of signed employment agreements all from their phone or tablet.”
Growers and contractors only pay for the contracts they create when hiring – with the first five contracts free.