People

People

The people who are part of our company are the most important asset for us, that is why we encourage work relationships based on respect, equal opportunities, inclusion, diversity, non-discrimination, respect for human rights and individual and collective labor rights, and we generate the necessary conditions for them to develop and strengthen their own capabilities.

We also try to keep our operations free of accidents and generate conditions that facilitate the daily safety of our workers. We encourage a culture of self-care and responsible action with other people who work at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition

sqm
At SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition we comply with inclusion policies and provide opportunities to all people who wish to be part of our company. Our staff is integrated by different professions and trades, operators, technicians, men and women of different ages and nationalities. Our organizational structure is differentiated by different work positions, which in turn are grouped into the following areas: senior management, management, leadership, operations, sales force, administrative, auxiliary, other professionals and other technicians. As a company, we are focused on expanding women’s participation at all levels and in all areas of our organization, as well as increasing local employment around our operations.

  • (Español) 11%

    (Español) de las trabajadoras se desempeñan en puestos de alta gerencia.

  • (Español) 30%

    (Español) de las mujeres se desempeñan en funciones generadoras de ingresos.

  • (Español) 22%

    (Español) de las mujeres ocupan puestos relacionados con STEM.

  • (Español) 20%

    (Español) de mujeres en cargos de liderazgo: Alta Gerencia, Gerencia y Jefatura.

During the administration of 2023 we accomplished the goal of hiring 20,3% of female staff in SQm which represents a total of 1.558 female workers. We recognize the great contribution of women in the mining industry and our company offers opportunities to continue growing. Furthermore, we developed different workshops, sessions, and seminars not only at the company but also in the communities to highlight and consolidate female participation and the socio economic impact for the districts. We boosted the System of Management of Gender Equality and Labor, Family, and Personal Life Balance; certifying our office in Santiago in the 3262 Chilean Norm. We implemented the Programme Talent Woman which had its second version in August 2023. It was made up of three seminars, discussion panels, mentorships and networking for the delegations that wanted to interact with the different firms that were expositors and part of the programme. In addition, the first Networking and Leadership for Women in the Mining Sector was carried out. In its second version, a new mentoring program was developed and 20 students from the last year of STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) belonging to the Catholic University of the north of Antofagasta, Arturo Prat University of Iquique and to the Catholic University of Pontificia.
Commercial alliances are also valuable in our company, as they allow us to meet our company’s goals. We share our commitments to sustainability, good work practices and human rights in our supply chain to encourage responsible and sustainable sourcing. The largest number of employees from collaborating companies, contractors and suppliers work in our operations at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition. During 2023, we had an average of 13,305 employees from contractor companies. In addition to that, we purchased supplies margin USD 6,642,438,928 during this period.
Shared Values with our Collaborators
  • We provide Regulations for Contractors and Subcontractors policies, as well as SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition Policies and its subsidiaries.
  • Collaborators have the obligation and responsibility to comply with efficient life protection and health of all workers.
  • We prioritize local suppliers to promote and strengthen local companies.
  • We carry out periodic and formal evaluations of suppliers’ facilities in order to monitor performance and compliance with established processes.
  • We implement training and strengthening courses in the Contracts area in order to carry out an internal transformation towards the Business Partners Model.
At SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition we recognize the daily work of all the people who are part of the company, but we also developed the VIVO Recognition Program, which is part of our M1 operational excellence system. Recognitions can be made via our website or through the MISQM app. This year, the “Vivo la excelencia – Team Recognition” program continued to be carried out in all locations in Chile: Nueva Victoria, Coya Sur, Tocopilla, Santiago and Antofagasta, generating 8 versions of this program.
Pillars of the program:
  • People development
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Common Objective
  • Efficient Processes
During 2023, 20.599 recognitions were given via the VIVO platform. The amount of recognized people ascended to 2.548. In regards to the “Vivo la excelencia – Team Recognition” program, 93 initiatives were received in 2023. On the other hand, 438 workers received recognition for years of service and 76 workers received it for Best Work Performance
At SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition we believe in education and we continue to encourage our workers to develop professionally. This is why we developed the SQM Excellence Scholarship Program for personnel working in our company, which is also available for their sons and daughters to apply for. Since its creation we have awarded 1,699 scholarships and in 2023 we will award a total of 223 scholarships. We wish to continue supporting those who stand out for their effort and academic dedication.
Program achievements:
  • 36 Undergraduate and graduate scholarships for SQM employees.
  • 32 Academic Excellence Scholarships for the sons and daughters of our employees.
  • 1.699 Scholarships have been granted since the creation of the program.
  • 68 Scholarships have been granted during 2023.
 For a decade, SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition has continued carrying out the successful Internal Mobility Program, which is a corporate practice that boosts work development of our employees. We recognize and provide opportunities for growth within the company, according to the competencies, skills and experience of each of our workers. In 2023, at least 341 workers were able to change jobs thanks to this program, which is a positive aspect and reinforces the concept that people are valuable assets for the company. There were 79 women and 262 men.
These are the benefits that SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition Mobility Program provides:
  • Encourage good performance and meritocracy.
  • Retain and reward the best talents.
  • Reinforce commitment and motivation.
  • Favor opportunities for personal development
  • Increase employability through learning within the organization.
  • Enrich experiences through collaboration between areas.
  • Strengthen the concept of seeing people as valuable assets for the company.