Attract Top Mining Talent by Improving Their Everyday Experience

The Canadian mining industry is on the brink of significant change. While the sector is booming with nearly 493 active projects and 117 new projects slated for 2023, it faces a critical challenge. A looming talent shortage is set to hit an all-time high, threatening the workforce’s stability.

Urgent Demand for Mining Talent  

The Canadian Mining industry is booming. After a small pullback during COVID-19, the sector rebounded in 2022, driven by economic reopening, rising commodity prices, and low interest rates. By 2033, some estimates speculate the market could increase by 17%, depending on future conditions.

Research shows, a significant hiring crisis in the mining industry. The industry will need 80,000 new workers over the next decade. The industry's aging workforce is aging. With over 25% of employees aged 55 or older. Also, there is a shortage of skilled labour, particularly in technical and trade roles. 

There is a declining number of new people joining the workforce and competition for talent from other sectors. Why aren’t more students joining the mining industry? There are several key barriers which companies are working to address including negative perceptions of mining, lack of awareness of available opportunities, remote nature of work, barriers such as diversity and inclusion and the fact that mining has become a less attractive industry.  

Enhancing Employee Experience at Remote Sites

How do you make your project attractive to new talent? It’s all about creating a first-class employee experience. While many might not suspect it, mining sites have greatly improved the employee experience in the last few years. The standard for service and amenities has risen drastically. Employees now enjoy impeccable options for food, comfortable and clean rooms, and even entertainment! 

It’s that sense of community they feel from the moment they set foot on site. “The Canadian market is booming, creating a lot of opportunities for workers,” Martin says. “People can relocate from one mine to the other across the country.”

Workers are looking for the total package. Things like competitive wages and benefits are of critical importance, but lifestyle can be an important factor. Great amenities can significantly improve the quality of life. But it doesn’t have to be all on you as an employer. When competing for the best talent and their loyalty, the "employee experience" at your site leaves a lasting impression. And we curate that experience with our people-centred approach.

Creating a Differentiated Employee Experience 

At Sodexo, our teams consistently work to design solutions that place your mining crew at the forefront of our operations. From our people to the technologies we use, we tailor our services to elevate the guest experience at every turn. 

“An important piece we focus on is the welcome experience. This is our opportunity to make a first impression and make guests feel at home,” Martin says. “We know it can be overwhelming to work in remote locations. We like to make sure our guests feel safe and happy, especially new people and women.” The last thing your crew needs is to spend hours trying to check in and figure out where to go and what to do. 

Martin continues. “Service excellence is just about providing the service. We want to also ensure we’re creating that human connection. We like our guests feel if they need anything, we are here to help.”

Leading with our Values

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One of our biggest differentiators is our commitment to our company values,” Martin says. “We are very clear about what we stand for and I think that resonates with our team and ultimately with our guests.”

“The company has a strong track record of living by our values and that helps us stand out,” she adds.
  
Over 95% of our employees are in direct contact on a day-to-day basis with our guests. This demands exceptional human qualities and specific behaviours that we call Service Spirit, Team Spirit and Spirit of Progress. 

“When it comes to attracting talent, our values lead us to ensure there is a fit. We have a strong culture and know what to look for in talent. In the end, getting this right this benefits everyone – from employees to clients and everyone we work with,” Martin says.

Improving the Everyday 

Workers want to return to projects where they feel at home, where the quality of life is higher than at the average lodging site. And you can achieve this with the right service partner. We are dedicated to being customer-focused and always seeking ways to innovate our service offering.  People might be surprised at the scale of modern Canadian mining camps and the variety of first-class amenities on offer. Things like gyms, basketball courts and premium catered food are just part of what keeps the employees happy, productive and excited to come to work. The industry has come a long way.

What Our Guests Say

What our team strives for is to leave a lasting impression on your crew. So, we’ll let the comments we’ve received speak for themselves. 

• This was my first camp experience. I am definitely impressed with how organized this place was and all of the options that were available to make it feel a little bit like home. Thank you. 
• The best camp facility I have stayed in so far in my working career dating over 49 years. 
• I would just like to give a shout-out to all the departments that make this lodge run. The service here is impeccable and is beyond any camp I have ever stayed at in my 20 years in the industry. The staff here are so helpful and friendly. 
• Thank you to the front desk folks for facilitating the mail delivery. This is a wonderful service that sets this camp apart from many others I have stayed at.
• Overall, I find the staff here giving 110%. 

Raising quality-of-life standards doesn’t mean more expensive. It’s just a better way of doing business. And it starts with the everyday. 

Want to take your workforce accommodations to the next level? Ask us.