How a Fruit Manufacturing Company Boosted Workforce Efficiency by 10% with Data-Driven Recruitment

Dole, a leader in fruit manufacturing, faced a significant staffing challenge at their Hua Hin plant in Thailand. With the harvest season approaching, they needed to quickly scale their workforce, a task made more complex by local talent shortages and COVID-19 health requirements.

The Challenge 

Dole's objective was to hire 200 workers within a tight deadline.

The usual recruitment methods were proving inadequate, especially given the additional health and safety considerations brought on by the pandemic.

The company needed a solution that was both efficient and compliant with health standards.

The Business Impact

Dole's collaboration with Workmate at their Hua Hin manufacturing plant was a practical response to a significant staffing challenge. Faced with the need to quickly increase their workforce for the harvest season, Dole turned to Workmate for a solution.

Workmate's response was effective and timely. More than 200 workers were successfully placed within the required timeframe, exceeding Dole’s initial target by 10%. This success was not just about filling positions; it was about finding the right people who met Dole's specific operational and health standards.

The positive outcome of this partnership led Dole to expand its contract with Workmate, a decision that reflects the trust and satisfaction with the services provided. This case serves as an example of how a well-planned staffing strategy can be crucial in times of rapid operational scaling, ensuring that businesses like Dole can continue their operations smoothly and efficiently.

Our Approach to Meeting Dole's Staffing Needs

Forming a Cross-Functional Team

To address Dole’s staffing challenge, Workmate brought together a team from operations, marketing, sales, and product. This team ensured a comprehensive approach, covering all aspects of the staffing process from initial recruitment to worker onboarding.

Expanding the Search Beyond Conventional Boundaries

Confronted with a limited local labor market, Workmate extended its search. We used our network, online channels, and community outreach to access a wider pool of potential workers, crucial for meeting Dole’s specific workforce needs.

Leveraging Technology for Efficient Screening

Key to our strategy was the use of technology for screening candidates. We set up an automated system with tailored questions to quickly filter candidates, focusing on those who met Dole’s criteria, both in skills and health requirements.

Managing Logistics for Worker Relocation and Onboarding

Workmate also handled the logistics of relocating the workers. This included organizing health screenings, arranging accommodation, and ensuring workers were informed and prepared for their new roles at Dole’s plant.

Quick Deployment and Continuous Engagement:

We were able to deploy the first group of workers within two weeks. Throughout the process, we kept in close contact with Dole, allowing us to adjust and scale the workforce as needed, based on the project’s requirements.