| "Hey, would you mind..." Part 1 Posted: 26 Aug 2010 12:50 PM PDT Hey, I'm a boarder, and I've certainly asked a barn worker to do something special for my horse. Do you do this too? Have you ever wondered if you should be paying them for certain kinds of special treatment? I know I have. Something to consider before you ask your next favor... Barn worker compensation At barns where boarders can make requests of staff, it's good to be cognizant of what and how the workers are paid. General pay is pretty modest, which is understandable, but also ironic considering the value (monetary and personal) of the animals they care for. If you're making special requests, it's good to know whether it's an an hourly rate, a flat rate, or something else. What's the difference? - Hourly pay: Hourly workers make more money when little extra tasks extend their work day, so they may welcome special care requests. The question is how do barn owners/managers feel about these boarders giving chores "on their dime." To keep everything on the up-and-up make sure the barn manager (or whoever pays them) knows what tasks their staff may be doing for you.
- Flat rate pay: More often, barn workers are paid a flat rate for set tasks. The flat rate pay is easier to calculate and ensures a predictable for the workers. There can be a downside, though. In my own experience, flat rates tend not to favor the the worker. When I was paid a flat rate I had to really hustle to keep my pay rate at $8/hour. If someone asks you to help load their horse, or horses aren't turned out (twice as much to muck), or a horse decides he doesn't want to be caught in the pasture, suddenly I don't make enough to cover the gas I used to get to the barn.
So the moral is, try to have an idea of what your workers are paid, and how they're paid. It can help you decide whether you should slip'em a little cash, but it also helps keep your expectations realistic. No one is living large from mucking stalls. Coming up next: What is a fair "tip" or payment for special treatment?  |
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