Delving into the sector’s motivation levels, a nationwide study found that one in four farm workers think feeling valued in a job is a top priority, while one third say recognition for their hard work from bosses actively motivates them.

75 per cent feel it’s important to be passionate about a job and the same proportion of workers in agriculture regard themselves as hard workers.

To support those working in agriculture, Argos for Business, the leading provider for corporate motivation solutions, has launched the UK’s first ever Employee Motivation Day on Wednesday 21st January 2015, which has been created to inspire passion and appreciation across the UK’s workforce.

Argos for Business is encouraging bosses to start the year by recognising hard work.

As one in three employees are predicted to weigh up their career options this January, the cost to individual businesses could be too high to pay.

Accounting for all elements of the recruitment process, including advertising costs and recruiter fees, through to loss of productivity and training for new recruits, each employee lost could cost up to £30,614 to replace.

Businesses choosing not to implement a year-round motivational strategy should consider this substantial sum and whether they can afford to lose some of their most valued assets - experienced employees.

As the research shows, motivational strategies need not cost the earth, or indeed anything at all. Simply feeling valued, or thanked for a job well done resonates with British workers, leaving a positive and affirming effect on employees and the businesses they work for.

Commenting on the findings, Danny Clenaghan, Managing Director at Argos for Business, said: “January always appears an opportune time for workers to weigh up their employment options. However, motivating staff and showing appreciation for their hard work year-round needn’t cost the earth.

"Motivation highly influences productivity within the farming industry, and our study reveals that a large proportion of Britain’s workers need to feel valued by their employer and colleagues to help motivate them to perform well.

“Simple and cost-effective everyday actions, such as saying thank you with low cost gift vouchers, can go a long way in ensuring bosses hold onto valuable skilled team members.

“To help drive motivation, we are therefore dedicating a whole day to giving and receiving recognition and motivational compliments. We hope that employees, managers and business owners all get involved and become part of our Employee Motivation Day campaign.”