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Breaking down barriers

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This article was published 25/11/2020 (1794 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With operations in more than 100 countries worldwide that employ 8,670 people, Roquette — a global leader in plant-based ingredients — has written quite the success story over the past 87 years.

Now that the company is bringing a state-of-the-art pea protein processing plant in Portage la Prairie, the management team at Roquette Canada is continuing the practice of keeping lines of communication with employees open at all times, says Trish Clark, Roquette Canada’s head of human resources.   

“Constant communication is so important,” she says. “Our management team is transparent with our employees, staying in regular contact with initiatives such as town hall meetings. Doing that builds trust and openness.”

Further to that, adds Clark, the work environment at Roquette Canada — the plant is the largest of its kind in the world, and will process 125,000 metric tonnes of yellow peas annually — has been designed to promote a barrier-free relationship between management and employees.

“We actually have an open work environment where leaders are right in the same space with their teams — there are no doors separating management and employees here,” says Clark. “When you walk in, you could see our CEO talking to someone in our IT department. Anyone can ask a question of our CEO, from a millwright on up.”

That open, collaborative approach begins the moment a new employee checks in for work.

Right off the hop, they get a backpack, information package, company phone and coffee mug or drinking bottle with their name on it.

“That helps them get ready for their first day at work,” she says. “Each new employee undergoes a one-week orientation that includes a buddy to ask questions of and get training from. We want them to feel welcome, so they immediately feel like they’re part of the team. Our CEO meets with all leaders and new employees right away to make sure a connection is made right at the beginning.”

Clark notes that employees get even more support in the form of comprehensive training.

“We want people to be comfortable and knowledgeable in their roles, so they’re empowered by leaders to access tools such as job-specific training and company programs that are provided in blended and online formats,” Clark says. “We don’t have boundaries in gaining knowledge or asking questions.”

At the same time, a generous benefits package ensures that each employee — there are currently 90 at the plant, with another 30 to be hired in the not-too-distant future — feels taken care of and appreciated.

“Not only do we support a healthy lifestyle with an on-site gym and healthy snacks, but we also give each employee a health spending account of $1,200,” she says. “The company also pays for the whole benefit package, which covers the well-being of each family with comprehensive services all the way around.”

Clark says Roquette Canada’s management team is genuinely committed to coming up with innovative workplace initiatives and programs.

“The idea is to create a workplace culture that’s consistently open and supportive and that empowers employees. Our management team wants people to feel those things every day.”

That support shows up in small, everyday gestures, she adds.

“If an employee doesn’t seem to be happy, a leader will approach them and ask them how they’re doing,” says Clark. “They also take the time to get to know the names of family members, or just to say good morning when an employee arrives at work. Those are small, but important details.”

It’s all those little details that translate into a great workplace. 

As it’s turned out, Roquette Canada’s reputation is sterling.

“People just want to come and work here,” she says. “We don’t advertise a ton, but people just apply online. We have no problem attracting skilled trades; they just want to be part of what we do, even during the pandemic, when we’ve hired a new work force.”

As Roquette Canada moves forward during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they will continue to do what they’ve always done: put their employees first.

“We genuinely care about our staff and will do whatever we have to do to keep them safe, as safety is in our culture and part of our practice,” Clark says. “Our priority is our employees. We are one at Roquette Canada.”

For more information, visit roquette.com/careers