People Practices
Our team members are central to everything we do and help us maintain our competitive advantage in the marketplace by committing to safely and reliably producing and distributing an essential product for worldwide customers.
Our diverse geographic profile, yet relatively small headcount, provides our team members with the opportunity to make a powerful impact while working with a talented team of colleagues across the globe. We are committed to providing our team members with a positive work environment where they can grow and thrive.
| Employee Engagement | We conduct regular surveys to improve workplace culture. The 2023 survey led to regional activities in 2024, including recognition programs and better communication. |
| Skills Development | We follow the 70/20/10 approach: 70% on-the-job, 20% coaching and mentoring, and 10% formal learning. Our competency assurance program identifies required skills and provides training plans. |
| Succession Planning and Leadership Development | Our program builds internal capabilities and minimizes risks through various leadership programs and global assignments. |
Equity, diversity and inclusion
We strive for an equitable and inclusive work environment. In 2024, we developed a Guide to Inclusive and Equitable Recruitment and provided training to HR professionals. We also provide training designed to foster a more inclusive culture through awareness and by encouraging sharing and self-reflection.
By engaging with our employees, developing their skills and fostering an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace, we strengthen our culture and company. As part of this commitment, we support Employee Resource Group.
To learn more, visit pages 66 and 67 of the 2024 Sustainability Report.
Affected Communities
We strive to have a positive impact on communities near our operations by being a good neighbour and responsible corporate citizen. Through respectful engagement and collaboration, we work to support local needs and build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
We recognize the importance of demonstrating a commitment to Indigenous rights and culture, in keeping with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that as stewards of the land on which we operate, we have a responsibility to foster dialogue with Indigenous Peoples for whom the land holds significance.
We work to build trust in the communities in which we live and work through open, two-way communication. In New Zealand and Canada, we pay particular attention to building positive relationships with local Indigenous communities in a manner that is respectful of their unique culture and their traditional lands on which we reside.
Community engagement
We continually work to understand community interests, communicate information about our product and business activities, and address any community concerns. We develop working relationships to enable effective dialogue and work to address any issues or concerns in a timely and respectful manner. Through Community Advisory Panels (CAPs), open communication, joint community response exercises, and Indigenous engagement, we work to build trust with local communities.
Engaging with indigenous communities
We engage respectfully with Indigenous communities, considering their history, rights, and culture. In New Zealand, we have an agreement with local hapū to promote open communication. In Canada, our Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan outlines our commitments to reconciliation and respectful engagement.
We also raise Indigenous awareness through various initiatives. In New Zealand, we celebrate Māori culture with events like Matariki and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. We work closely with local hapū and iwi to respect and protect the land we operate on, and we support Māori customs such as the burial of whenua (placenta) to connect new generations with their ancestral land. In Canada, we support Indigenous cultural awareness and events like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and a KisKihkeyimowin event to foster understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures in Medicine Hat public schools.
We strive to be a respected and valued corporate citizen by creating positive and long-term impacts in the communities where we operate. Our Community Investment Program focuses our community giving under three pillars tied to seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where we believe we can create a positive impact.
Our community investments are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
To learn more, please visit pages 65 to 73 of the 2024 Sustainability Report.