How investment in people is helping to deal with key industry challenges
As Australian businesses continue to deal with a tight labour market, supply chain congestion and global uncertainty, it’s never been more important to have a strong workplace culture and the right people in your team.
Companies across all industries have come under pressure in the last two and a half years, with pandemic-related issues flowing through to other areas of the economy.
Within the mining and resources industry, recruitment has been one of, if not the biggest issue of the past 24 months, and while I believe we’re through the worst of it now with domestic and international travel once again possible, the labour market remains tight.
When combined with supply chain concerns and a general lack of certainty around the world, it’s been one of the most challenging times in living memory.
However, the companies that are managing to tackle these challenges head on are those who have invested in good, experienced people, and strongly believe in the core business value of communication.
As Chief Operating Officer at Zenith Energy, I can tell you that our work to build a strong workplace culture over the past 15 years is paying dividends.
For example, where supply chain congestion has pushed back arrival times for vital infrastructure, we’ve been able to demonstrate to our clients that our people are experienced at developing innovative solutions, and we can communicate those solutions effectively.
We wouldn’t be able to deliver without the backing of an experienced and committed team, and without the ability to communicate effectively at all times, both internally and with our clients.
If you’re not doing so already, I encourage businesses to invite your clients and customers to learn more about the way you work, so they can see what you do, and how you do it.
Such open and transparent communication is also essential in dealing with other key issues.
- Recruitment: With the national unemployment rate sitting at 3.5% in June, it likely that recruitment will be tough for a while longer. However, by communicating employee incentives beyond money – such as training, upskilling and growth opportunities – companies can increase longevity and loyalty among staff, further boosting workplace culture.
- Global Uncertainty: Aside from pushing up the cost of doing business, global uncertainty is also impacting commodity prices. The value of open, two-way communication between yourself and your clients or customers is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page moving forward, and no one is surprised by sudden changes.
The challenges of the past two and a half years are not yet over, and in many respects there are still many hurdles to overcome.
But knowing you have the right people in place can ease some of that burden, and allow you as a company to focus your energies on facing the next external challenge head on.
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Graham Cooper is the Chief Operating Officer at Zenith Energy. An electrical technician, he has 30 years’ experience in designing and constructing power stations having worked in the IPP industry with Doug over many years. Graham is responsible for project design and new project tenders. He is also in charge of managing all technical aspects of the business including operational efficiency initiatives, research and development of new technology solutions across the Zenith Energy projects.
