Improving Productivity in Forest Nurseries

Abstract

In recent years, planting-stock costs have nearly doubled and in some cases tripled, largely due to increased labor costs. Improvements in productivity are a means of offsetting these cost increases. Though poor productivity is frequently treated as a labor problem, it is really management’s responsibility. Establishing specific productivity goals, formulating practical plans and strategies, executing plans in a well-organized manner, and effectively tracking and evaluating results are components of along-term program to improve productivity. Important elements underlying the process include input from firstline supervisors and workers, establishment of effective training and motivation programs, and frequent feedback to workers on productivity performance.