We recently spoke to Gold Industry Group Gold Class Facilitator and The Perth Mint Group Manager Organisational and Cultural Development Kristen Potter about her role in driving the Company’s employee wellbeing program and her journey in Australia’s gold industry.
What about gold industry really excites you?
To be honest, when I first started, I knew very little about The Perth Mint or the gold industry. Growing up in the Pilbara I was far more familiar with the iron ore industry. When I first joined The Perth Mint, I was surprised to discover just how large the business and the industry was.
What excites me the most about working in the gold industry is the overwhelming commitment from the members towards sustainability, diversity and giving back to the community.
We live in a state that was built on the back of a goldrush, and the community of Perth was established around that. It is incredible to be a part of such an important part of our history and to be a part of the continuing contributions we are making to the economy.
Tell us about your position with your company?
In my role, I am responsible for initiatives related to employee engagement and wellbeing, culture, diversity and inclusion, internal communications, and learning and development for our 500+ team of employees.
What is your favorite part of your role?
I love the variety, the fast pace, and the ability to interact with a wide range of employees and stakeholders. There is no ‘normal’ day in my role.
My days can include facilitating mental health training, consulting with employees on engagement and culture, writing internal communications, hosting diversity events, coordinating employee surveys, hosting guest speakers, facilitating workshops or engaging with the community for charity and reconciliation initiatives.
What is your biggest achievement and why?
A recent notable achievement is the Health and Wellbeing award The Perth Mint won from IFAP for our Mentally Healthy Workplace Program.
This was a particularly proud moment for our team who have been working hard to create a culture where employee wellbeing is paramount. Key achievements from the program include:
Establishing a large network of trained Mental Health First Aid Officers (90+ trained employees)
Providing leaders with specialised training to support employees with mental health problems.
Being awarded recognition as a ‘Gold Mental Health First Aid Skilled Workplace’ by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Celebration of significant dates such as R U OK? Day every year to fight stigma around mental health preventing people from asking for help.
Offering a salary continuance scheme to financially support employees who require time away from the workplace.
Offering flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments for employees who require extra support.
Access to a comprehensive wellness program that includes yoga, mindfulness, healthy eating, financial wellbeing, resilience, corporate volunteering, and healthy lifestyle reimbursements.
What is your most memorable experience?
One of the most memorable and touching moments I have experienced, occurred during NAIDOC week last year when The Perth Mint raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for the first time. I had the privilege of participating in the ceremony and watching some of our Aboriginal employees raise the flags. It was an incredibly moving moment to witness the pride and emotion that these employees displayed during the ceremony.
I was honoured to be a part of the ceremony and watch The Perth Mint take this symbolic step forward in our commitment to reconciliation.
Why did you become a gold-class facilitator of the Gold Industry Group’s National Gold Education Program?
When I am working with children, I see so much hope and potential for the future. Being a Gold Cass Facilitator was an incredible opportunity to educate the next generation on the importance of STEM subjects and potentially influence their future career choices into an industry committed to shaping a sustainable future for Australia.
It is also a whole lot of fun interacting with the students and hearing their wonderful and sometimes funny questions and remarks.
What advice would you give to those considering studying in a mining related discipline?
My piece of advice for anyone considering a career in the mining industry is that there has never been a better time. The shift towards sustainability within the industry is providing a wider range of career opportunities and offers those looking for a way to contribute to a better future to get involved.
I would also say that don’t think you have to drive a train or a truck to work in the mining industry. I am a Registered Psychologist, with a background in Health Science. The variety of disciplines available is mind blowing.
What do you do with your spare time?
During the week, when I am not working, I can usually be found in the kitchen, trying out new recipes to feed a hungry husband and two growing boys or on the computer completing a university assignment.
On the weekend we love to get out on the water, travelling to Rottnest Island or wetting a line to catch a fish.