By Ntshepeng Seema, Human Resources Administrator: SPM
At Southern Power Maintenance, we believe our differences are our greatest asset. This World Day for Cultural Diversity, on 21 May 2025, we’re proud to spotlight how cultural intelligence and diversity are shaping the way we work, grow, and support one another every day. Cultural inclusion isn’t just a principle—it’s how we put our values into action.
It helps us:
- Build a Positive Team Spirit by bringing people together and creating space for different voices.
- Boost Agility by enabling smooth collaboration across teams, regions, and cultures.
- Show Respect by treating every colleague fairly and with understanding.
- Serve with Customer Centricity by connecting with diverse client needs more effectively.
- Act with Integrity by staying honest, transparent, and inclusive in all we do.
Why Cultural Intelligence Matters in Our Workforce
At SPM, our strength lies in the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our employees. We believe that cultural intelligence is key to harnessing this diversity, enabling us to work more effectively across teams, sites, and regions.
By embedding cultural intelligence into our HR strategy, we aim to:
- Enhance Collaboration: Reducing misunderstandings and fostering stronger team dynamics.
- Foster Inclusion: Creating environments where every employee feels valued and engaged.
- Improve Client Relations: Demonstrating cultural awareness in our service delivery to better connect with our clients.
- Drive Innovation: Encouraging diverse perspectives to fuel creativity and problem-solving.
We are committed to cultivating a workplace where cultural intelligence is not just encouraged but integral to our success.
Key Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives at SPM
- Work-Life Balance Campaigns
We know that a healthy team is a high-performing team. That’s why we’ve introduced practical ways to support the well-being of both our site-based and office-based employees:
- ‘Day of Rest’: Where operationally possible, teams now have a dedicated day to rest and recharge — helping reduce fatigue and support mental clarity on the job.
- Wellness Talks: These regular sessions focus on real-life challenges like stress, burnout, mental health, and nutrition — offering tools and tips our people can use every day, both at work and beyond.
- Team Building & Inclusive Culture Activities
We create spaces where collaboration thrives—across departments, sites, and cultures.
Through team-building retreats, cross-departmental projects, and diversity workshops, we focus on:
- Building trust between colleagues from different cultural backgrounds
- Encouraging respectful dialogue and alignment on shared goals
- Strengthening everyday connections to foster a more unified, inclusive workforce
These experiences help turn teamwork into something more meaningful—grounded in empathy, openness, and mutual respect.
- Onsite Wellness Day
Every quarter, we dedicate time to wellness-focused activities, helping our teams care for their physical and mental health. These days include:
- Free health screenings
- Access to counselling services
- Group fitness sessions
By investing in our people’s well-being, we ensure they’re in the best position to thrive—on and off the job.
- Employee Assistance Programme
We understand that life outside of work can affect performance, which is why we offer confidential, professional support to help employees navigate personal challenges.
Our Employee Assistance Programme includes:
- Mental health and trauma counselling
- Financial planning guidance
- Support services available to all employees at no cost
Aligning Diversity with Compliance and Transformation Goals
At SPM, diversity isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s part of how we create a workplace that reflects the world we serve. We go beyond the basics of Employment Equity (EE) and B-BBEE to actively build a just, inclusive team through:
- Ongoing Equity Reviews: We regularly audit and update our Employment Equity plans to track progress and stay accountable. A key focus is improving representation of African, Coloured, and Indian South Africans—especially women—in technical and leadership roles.
- Inclusive Hiring Practices: Our recruitment process is wide-reaching and transparent. Where possible, we prioritise qualified candidates from underrepresented groups to help us meet our equity goals and build a stronger, more diverse workforce.
Our Commitment to Cultural Intelligence
As we mark World Day for Cultural Diversity, we remain committed to making inclusion, well-being, and transformation cornerstones of how we work.
Through these strategic HR efforts, we’re not only meeting compliance targets — we’re building a workplace where every employee feels seen, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, and even more excited about what’s still ahead.
