Abstract
Panelists: Stephanie Shaw, Global Head of Talent Management, Teck Resources; Catherine Van Alstine, Managing Partner, Boyden; Carmen Jensen, Director, Masters of Engineering Program, UBC; Lewis Wan, Engineer in Training, BBA Engineering
Three major trends from various industries are coming together, bringing significant changes to the mining workforce:
- The type of work is changing: There is an increased focus on automation, algorithms and the need to be good with digital tools. This shift means that over 100 million workers worldwide, or about one in 16 people, may need to find a new job by 2030.
- Workers' preferences are changing: 40 percent of employees are considering leaving their jobs in the next six months. They are influenced by factors like changes in life priorities after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The way people work is evolving: 72 percent of executives are reporting that their organizations are adopting permanent remote-working models, according to a recent report from McKinsey Global Institute. (“Has Mining Lost Its Luster? Why Talent is Moving Elsewhere and How to Bring It Back”, McKinsey and Company, February 14, 2023)
In a dynamic and provocative discussion, our panelists will focus on what they are doing to attract and retain talent in the mining industry. We will delve into the critical issues faced by companies in this sector and explore their innovative strategies to overcome these challenges. Topics covered in this discussion will include:
- The unique complexities associated with the mining industry, ranging from its reputation for having inherently hazardous working conditions to the cyclical nature of the market.
- Creating a compelling employer brand and portraying mining as not only vital to the global infrastructure but also as an innovative and socially responsible sector.
- Why focusing only on your high-potential talent may not be the best talent strategy—the equitable distribution of development.
- What organizations are doing to invest in the development of their leadership teams, to prepare them for a constantly changing work environment.
- How promoting diversity and equity in the workplace can help mining organizations tap into a wider talent pool and foster environments of innovation and collaboration.
- Creating cultures of well-being and how organizations are prioritizing safety, mental health support and work-life balance to enhance their retention rates and attract new talent.
Panelists from a large, global mining organization, executive recruitment, the education sector and a supplier of services to the mining industry will offer diverse perspectives on these questions and more.
Audience members will leave with collective insights of the panelists as they create a roadmap to navigate their challenges to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
Moderating this panel discussion is Julie Butcher, VP of Practice with Refinery, a Vancouver-based leadership development consulting firm that has worked on talent development challenges in the mining industry for the past 21 years. Julie is a professional executive coach, organizational health consultant and an experienced facilitator.