“We have engineered a business that is resilient with a strong balance sheet, strong assets and low-cost operations that can generate cash through the cycle. This will allow us to continue to contribute to the economy at a time when it is needed most” – Mike Henry, CEO of BHP
With trends rapidly changing amid Covid-19, we need to adapt our way of managing connectivity in our professions. Events are being canceled, businesses still need to run and we need to ensure we do not lose touch with our wider networks to retain business and prepare for when things turn around. We know the greatest gains are made in troubling times because with every obstacle, comes our greatest opportunity to reset and adapt the way in which we operate.
One of the many reasons BHP has chosen to back Top 100 Women is as a result of our quest to connect women all over the world, supporting, retaining and recruiting a balanced workplace. BHP has led the way for flexible and balanced workplaces, so it would make sense for them to back a community that connects women globally on an online platform.
Last week, we presented to some 300 engineers as we partner with BHP to deliver a balanced workplace by 2025. Whilst for some, flexible work environments may be a new thing, BHP has been setting the tone with both genders for awhile!
For a list of positions currently available within BHP, view the ‘Talent Room’ on the Top 100 Women Professional Platform.
General Updates
Update – 16 March 2020
As COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to spread globally we are to taking precautionary measures to reduce the spread of transmission. We will do all that we can to ensure the health and safety of our people and ensure our operations are running safely.
- Travel – Today we’ve suspended international travel for all BHP employees globally for work alongside other measures already in place. This is in line with new advice from many governments and health experts from around the world.
- Sites and Offices – Each of our sites and offices across the world are monitoring the situation and have action plans which we will activate if required, in line with advice from health authorities. We also have procedures in place to move quickly to isolate anyone who may require medical treatment or testing.
- Health and Wellbeing – We continue to communicate with our workforce to follow hygiene, travel and quarantine recommendations from country-specific health authorities and governments. We know that the situation may be stressful for some of our people, their loved ones and their communities. We are encouraging all of our teams to support each through this difficult time, talk to their line-leaders about specific concerns and access our Employee Assistance Program if they feel they need extra support.
Update – 13 March 2020
BHP will prioritise the health and wellbeing of our workforce. We have procedures in place to move quickly to isolate anyone who may require medical treatment or testing. We are also working hard to implement plans and procedures that keep our entire workforce operating safely through this uncertain period.
We continue to monitor the situation and manage our workforce based on advice from country-specific health authorities and governments.
We have put restrictions in place for all non-essential international business travel and we continue to communicate with our workforce to follow hygiene, travel and quarantine recommendations from country-specific health authorities and governments.
We are reviewing and testing Business Continuity Plans at our operations and corporate offices to prepare for the spread of COVID-19.
At this point in time there are no impacts to production based on COVID-19.
CEO Mike Henry – 13 March 2020
Keeping our people safe
BHP will prioritise the health and wellbeing of our workforce. We have procedures in place to move quickly to isolate anyone who may require medical treatment or testing. We are also working hard to implement plans and procedures that keep our entire workforce operating safely through this uncertain period.
The resilience of our business
We have engineered a business that is resilient with a strong balance sheet, strong assets and low-cost operations that can generate cash through the cycle. This will allow us to continue to contribute to the economy at a time when it is needed most.
Demand for our products
While the impacts of the coronavirus crisis on the global economy are still playing out, buying interest for our products has remained healthy, and with the exception of oil, which has come off quite sharply in recent days, commodity prices have held up reasonably well. We are resilient should prices move lower.
Australian government $17.6 billion stimulus package
We welcome the calm and methodical approach being taken by the Australian Government during this extremely challenging time. Moves to stimulate the economy, support small business and provide an additional safety net for the vulnerable in our community is the right thing to do. We note the Opposition’s offer of constructive bipartisanship. It is vital the Parliament and the country work together and quickly to respond to what confronts us all.
Clearly, the coming weeks and months will challenge the Australian economy and the resolve of all Australians. BHP plans to employ 1000 new apprentices and trainees each year over the next five years. We stand willing to work together with the Government to continue to implement these plans and provide skills and training for Australians.
Source: BHP
