Positive Social Impact
Our people are critical to achieving our mission. We aim to provide an inclusive, safe and healthy workplace for our team of talented employees. We are continuously developing our culture of performance and growth including employee development and driving our inclusion and diversity strategy. Our workforce spans a wide range of age, cultural profiles and backgrounds and we believe diversity of thought helps innovation.
A top priority is to keep our workers safe. Our goal is to operate in a way that supports the wellbeing of our people, physically and emotionally. Managers are accountable for the safety of their teams and continually monitor and address any issues. We offer fitness goal challenges and a wellness benefit to our employees for reduced insurance premiums once they complete annual fitness exams.
We have a culture of equity, fairness, and accountability. Our Code of Conduct guides behaviour that creates a comfortable and rewarding workplace and we provide ongoing training on diversity and inclusion topics. Employees are encouraged to speak up and we believe that this in turn improves our company. The Board has practices in place to ensure diversity and fairness within the organisation.
We believe in recognising and rewarding the effort of all our people. Ethical labour practices are essential and we pay fair wages and salaries. Pay equity is ensured by conducting remuneration reviews every two years.
We are only successful when our customers are. This drives our focus on creating strong and long term relationships with our customers by understanding and responding to their needs. We do not just supply seedlings to them but also the advice and support necessary for a successful reforestation programme.
We provide seedlings to over 2,000 customers each year, many of whom have been buying from us for decades. In each of the areas in which we operate, our customers range from the largest industrial and financial landowners in the market to small private landowners who only plant occasionally. We have multiyear contracts with many of our customers that call for them to buy all, or a large portion of their seedlings from us every year.
We are conscious of our role as a responsible corporate citizen and look to have a positive impact on the people around us. Our people are encouraged to participate and contribute to organisations in their community. ArborGen’s culture is defined by the questions that we ask ourselves and each other as we work – Is it fair? Is it right? Does it help our customer? Am I holding myself and others accountable? Have I been transparent? Is there a better way to perform my task or meet our customer’s needs? Every manager is expected to lead by example in making sure these elements inform all of our decisions and actions.
Making a positive contribution to our people, our customers and communities
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
In the US, an employee assistance programme is available. This is a free and confidential service for employees and their families. Dedicated independent professionals are available 24/7, providing a broad array of services including counselling sessions and life management services such as financial counseling, legal services and parenting resources.
SAFETY & WELFARE IS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY
The safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and visitors is our highest priority. All employees must complete training in one safe job procedure per quarter, plus participate in online training via webinars. In-person training is conducted at each location at least once a year. Our goal is zero accidents!
CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES
In Brazil, the company provides breakfast and lunch to the workers and a benefit in cash for those that don’t miss any day of work during the month. The last Friday of the month is ‘Happy Friday’ and all birthdays for that month are celebrated.