Trusting people power
'Staff participation is a proven way to foster better organisational results’. That’s the mission of electricity company TrustPower in the Bay of Plenty that has a staff committee with a difference and more power than most.

TrustPower has formalised an employees’ staff committee. Its purpose is to act on behalf of employees to provide input into activities for the betterment of employees’ economic, environmental and social needs. The committee is ratified by a formal charter endorsed and signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

TrustPower's committee comprises up to ten members. Around eight members are elected annually through nomination by employees. The nominated employees must represent, on balance, the interests of all TrustPower employees across business teams. In addition, two management representatives are appointed by the CEO.

FACT: Obtaining staff participation in the process to analyse employment areas and address any concerns raised is critical to ensuring that the right issues are addressed and the most effective changes are made.

‘Good employers’ ensure that they engage with staff. Issues and concerns cannot be fully known unless employers consult with their staff. To engage everyone, it is critical to ensure that the organisation has a well developed system or process for consultation and information-exchange between and among workers. When employees are ‘engaged’ they are more likely to speak positively of the organisation to others, to apply their best efforts to their work, and want to remain part of the organisation.

Benefits of increased staff participation and engagement:
-  Encourages the development of ideas and worker innovation.
-  Provides the opportunity for employees to participate in decision-making.
-  Enables employees to share responsibility for action.

For further information contact:
Karen Boyte
TrustPower Limited
Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui
TAURANGA

Phone: +64 7 574 4754
Email: karen.boyte@trustpower.co.nz