Fonterra amplifies its workforce

Fonterra is offering employees more options to upskill and network with its matchmaking service, amp.

Short for amplify, amp will allow employees to spend up to a third of their time on internal projects outside their normal role. It is powered by a web-based app and uses a gig economy-type approach in which employees are matched to projects based on their skills or areas of interest.

Judith Swales, Chief Operating Officer Velocity & Innovation, explained how it is mutually beneficial for both employees and businesses.

“As well as supporting our peoples’ career development, amp will give Fonterra a competitive advantage by enabling us to harness the enormous breadth of skills across our workforce. It’s about amplifying the potential of our co-op through the talent of our people,” she said.

Following a successful pilot program covering projects such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and sustainability initiatives, it is now available to all 22,000 employees.

“Results from our pilot showed that amp not only lifts employee engagement, but it also brings in innovative ideas from more diverse groups. It has helped people develop new career paths and has opened doors,” Swales said.

While other companies such as Google and 3M have run similar programs internationally, Fonterra is believed to be the only New Zealand organisation that uses this initiative. It builds on the company’s efforts to help employees build capabilities and ensure it succeeds in a rapidly changing world.

“We’re investing in the growth of our people. Having the capability and appetite to continually grow will help every one of us be in the best position for the future. We all need to be lifelong learners,” said Swales.

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