What We Do at Southern Power Maintenance HR to Minimise Negativity
By Ntshepeng Seema, Human Resource Administrator, SPM
We spend a large portion of our lives at work, which is why the atmosphere we work in matters so much. At Southern Power Maintenance, the HR team takes this seriously. We believe a positive workplace is one where people feel safe, respected, supported and motivated to contribute. Reducing negativity isn’t a once-off effort. It is something we work at daily through small decisions, clear communication and a focus on people. Here’s how we help maintain a healthy and productive environment across the company.
We Promote Respect and Safety
Everyone deserves to work in an environment that offers safety from harm and disrespect. Whether based at head office or out on site, our employees know that professionalism and care are expected at every level.
Respect is built into the way we do things—through fair policies, inclusive behaviour, and everyday interactions. For example, how we talk to each other matters. We set the tone through leadership behaviour, encourage constructive communication during toolbox talks, and address concerns early so they don’t escalate. New employees are also introduced to our code of conduct as part of their onboarding.
Reports of unsafe or inappropriate behaviour are taken seriously and acted on quickly. Our systems are guided by three ISO standards: ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety, which help us manage everything from daily procedures to incident resolution.
We Communicate Clearly
Good communication helps prevent confusion and supports confidence. Transparency plays a big role in this. It helps build trust and ensures everyone stays on the same page. We make sure employees know what’s happening across the business and have easy access to the information they need.
Good communication helps prevent confusion and supports confidence. Transparency plays a big role in this. It helps build trust and ensures everyone stays on the same page. We make sure employees know what’s happening across the business and have easy access to the information they need.
To support effective communication, we use multiple channels. Work chat groups help site employees access important updates directly from their phones. We also use integrated systems like Mango to streamline communication and manage compliance requirements across the business.
HR emails and weekday Microsoft Teams check-ins add another layer of connection. During these check-ins, each department shares progress, plans, and key updates to keep everyone aligned.
We Support Positive Leadership
We work closely with managers to help them lead with confidence, fairness, and care. This includes guidance on how to communicate clearly, give constructive feedback, and handle difficult situations respectfully.
We offer ongoing support in areas like industrial relations, leadership development, and recruitment. Recruitment support is also available to help managers build strong teams that are equipped to meet both operational demands and cultural expectations. We also encourage regular one-on-one conversations between managers and their teams to strengthen relationships and address concerns before they grow. These check-ins help identify performance issues, uncover development needs, and build trust over time.
When managers feel supported and capable, it shows, and the result is often a more focused, less stressful team environment.
We Involve Employees in Solutions
Sometimes the best ideas come from the ground. That’s why we actively invite input through informal chats, toolbox talks, and surveys. Employees are encouraged to share what’s working, what’s not, and what could be improved.
When a team suggests a practical change that makes a job safer or more efficient, we do our best to act on it. This kind of responsiveness builds trust and shows that people’s voices matter.
We Prioritise Mental Well-being
We recognise that people bring their whole selves to work, and that mental health plays a big role in how we function day to day. We are committed to creating a workplace culture where mental wellbeing is openly acknowledged and supported.
We’ve partnered with Momentum to offer a comprehensive Employee Wellness Programme. This gives staff access to professional counselling, health support, financial advice, and other resources they might need. We also encourage open conversations about mental wellness and promote the importance of taking leave to rest and recharge. Ensuring employees feel safe to speak up and seek help when needed is a key part of this commitment.
Burnout can be prevented when people feel supported and are given time to recover before they reach a breaking point.
We Recognise Good Work
We take time to recognise and celebrate the work people put in. Whether it’s through a shout-out in a meeting, a message of appreciation, or feedback during performance reviews, we make sure employees know their efforts matter. Our performance management system also creates space for development conversations and growth planning. When people feel seen and valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed.
At SPM, we reduce workplace negativity by focusing on the things we can control: respectful interactions, clear communication, strong leadership, and proactive support. When employees feel involved, appreciated, and safe, they’re more likely to bring their best to work and more willing to help build a culture that works for everyone.