When Bruce Walls comes to work in the morning, he seems to have some spring in his step. He’s got reason to be upbeat. The 2008 employee opinion survey demonstrated that the actions taken to address concerns expressed in 2006 are working.

There’s still room for improvement, and as VP of Human Resources and Industrial Relations, Bruce is resolved to keep the momentum going. “Employees need and want to know how their individual goals and actions support broader corporate objectives,” explains Bruce. “We’re working on developing that understanding through improvements to our goal setting process, regular information update sessions, Lunch’n’Learn meetings, and enhancements to our Leadership Development Program.” Management is using this mix of actions and activities to inform employees on topics such as AREVA corporate updates, the Mining Business Unit’s Strategic Objectives, updates on the status of ARC projects, new initiatives, sustainable development, and the AREVA Way, the corporation’s continual improvement program.

“Our overall goal is to maintain the 2008 high levels of employee satisfaction, while addressing specific issues identified,” says Bruce. “It’s important to understand that management’s efforts and the results may be less visible; however, they will achieve long-lasting positive effects on morale and employee satisfaction.”

Bruce admits that this time the results will be harder to measure, compared to obvious adjustments from the 2006 survey. The new dorm at McClean Lake, additional pick-up points and enhancements to our annual incentive program are much more visible than a gradual, positive evolution of our corporate culture.

Percentage of AREVA Resources’ employees who rated these factors more favourably compared with 2 years ago: