Employment programmes
In world class mines such as those of Rio Tinto, the mining workforce is increasingly skilled. No longer labour intensive, average salaries reflect the high level of technical and technological skills required and are usually well above other sectors.
Managing the human resource base of Rio Tinto is about improving organisational effectiveness and meeting the business needs of the Group. Human resources management seeks to create an alignment of values between the Group and its employees. To safeguard our future, we aim to ensure there is a steady flow of high potential people – tomorrow’s leaders – in the pipeline of succession, and have a strong graduate recruitment programme.
Rio Tinto recognises that competition for skilled labour within some areas of the business is high. There has been an increased focus on developing workforce plans to identify skill needs and the dynamics of labour supply and demand. Businesses are also seeking to actively increase indigenous employment through training and development programmes.
Rio Tinto sets out to enable all its employees through training, development and incentives to develop their careers and optimise their potential. Our businesses have in place well designed systems for setting challenging work, reviewing performance and providing a range of development opportunities. These may include short term assignments to different businesses in the Group as well as the opportunity to work on cross functional and cross commodity teams.
To optimise business performance we mobilise the whole workforce in pursuit of the same goals. This is achieved by involving employees in the business; giving them explicit business information; seeking their views on the best way to achieve work outcomes, and actively collaborating on the achievement of change.
Management systems cover consultation and dialogue, commitment to equal opportunity and diversity, Aboriginal employment, minimum standards regarding labour rights, and conflict procedures. Further human resources programmes include leadership development, systems to shape ethical behaviour, a share savings plan, a corporate whistle blower system Speak-OUT, and cultural awareness training.
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