The Value of our Workplace Culture
GroundProbe’s HR Business Partner, Lauren Cameron
At GroundProbe we are a large team of like-minded individuals who work together as a global group to make mining safer. Although we have a global reach, with employees in 36 number countries, we still know our global neighbour’s name.
Personally, I believe that comes down to the fact that people are key to our success and that leads to a positive workplace culture.
Part of that culture includes the fact we believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can be at their best, bringing a broad range of skills, experiences and perspectives to their roles. We also welcome big ideas, innovation and collaboration, always striving for excellence in everything we do.
Challenged by COVID-19
When COVID-19 arrived at our door here in Brisbane in February 2020, like every other business, we were forced into action. As a member of the leadership team, an important element we needed to consider was how strong was our culture? I am proud to say our decision was our culture was strong enough to support the business, and each other, to navigate the challenges coming our way. And come they did!
Some of those challenges included the overnight need to ensure the health and safety of every global team member while operating as a new hybrid workforce, as well as the practical issues of supply and logistics – making sure we could continue to deliver the same world-class products and services to our loyal customers. However, one issue we were not initially prepared for was the impact on our human resources pool and our ability to attract and retain great talent.
The impacts caused by international travel restrictions, border closures and lockdowns forced a number of our skilled global team members to return home to be with family. Focussing always on our commitment to our customers, we were immediately challenged to think and act creatively and innovatively.
We began by talking to our technology industry peers. As part of that process, I am proud to say that aside from having a reputation for great technological innovation within the mining industry, we are also revered for our culture – one that values and places individuals and their safety and well-being first!
Our positive workplace culture is the key to our success
Although revered now, our culture was first defined in 2013 by our Executive Team led by then CEO John Beevers. It was at that point we began to focus on the importance of living our company values. Those values include prioritizing safety, always; respecting and valuing all; together we succeed; we act with integrity, and we are committed to excellence.
Our culture isn’t just something we put on a poster and pat ourselves on the back for, it is the key to our success, all day, every day. It is part of our company values. It is intrinsically weaved into our employment processes to ensure we employ like-minded people who are respectful and willing to share our company values.
Additionally, as a global team, every decision we make, every strategy formed, every policy defined is informed by our culture. It is considered precious enough to have a dollar value on the company’s profit and loss. It’s that important!
So, in a world of multiple challenges we will continue to work together to safeguard our culture, value and protect it now and into the future.
Personally, I count myself lucky to be part of a company that values a positive culture, and in my humble opinion that is exactly what makes GroundProbe a special place to work.