Bonatti

Lorenzo Calderoni is Country HR Manager at Bonatti. His is reponsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for Bonatti in Canada. In An Interview wit Manage HR Canada he talks about the challages faced by HR. 

Could you briefly discuss about your company and the current role and responsibilities you serve?

Bonatti Canada Construction Incorporated is the Canadian branch of the Bonatti group, an Italian construction company with a global presence. Our company operates in several countries worldwide, including Canada and Mexico in the Americas. Currently, we are working on a major project in Canada, which is the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion in British Columbia.

As the Country HR Manager, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for Bonatti in Canada. While our project team is working on-site, I am based in our Calgary office, which serves as our main office in Canada.

Our HR structure consists of a corporate HR organization led by the global HR director, with partners responsible for different regions worldwide, including the Americas, Africa, and Europe. At the country level, two HR managers, including myself, oversee the HR teams working on different projects.

In the past, we have had multiple projects running concurrently in the same country, which is why my role is essential in coordinating and overseeing various HR situations. Our goal is to ensure that our employees are well-supported and that our projects are running smoothly and efficiently.

Based on your experience working in various countries, what are the prominent challenges facing the domain?

As a multinational company, Bonatti encounters various challenges in different countries, and Canada is no exception. One of the primary challenges we faced was integrating into the Canadian market. When entering a new market, it’s essential to understand its unique features, including the attitudes and working styles of the people. While laws and regulations may be straightforward to comprehend, other factors, such as job availability and the union framework, require a more profound understanding.

In Canada, the job market for skilled workers in our field is quite different from other countries, with a general workforce shortage. This makes it challenging for us, as a construction company, to mobilize and ramp up quickly as we need a large workforce for our projects. Moreover, adapting to the Canadian job market and being attractive to potential employees pose another challenge.

" We believe in creating a harmonious and supportive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction and promotes the company’s growth. To achieve this, we prioritize the well-being of our employees and continually strive to provide the best working conditions possible "

Apart from that, we also face the typical challenges of starting a new project, such as struggling to adapt to the new environment and bringing our international workforce together. To address this, we implement initiatives to foster teamwork and facilitate cultural sharing between our Canadian and international staff.

As a new entity in Canada, we are constantly developing and striving to meet our short deadlines and achieve results. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to delivering high-quality projects and supporting our employees.

Considering these challenges, what do you think are the factors that can promote employee engagement?

As a project-based company, our type of work differs from other companies that engage employees for extended periods. Typically, we require our employees to work 12-hour shifts, six days a week. It is crucial to create a work environment that fosters great engagement and helps manage stress and conflicts. Every day brings something new, and to have a strong team that can rely on each other to achieve the project’s goals becomes pertinent.

After three years of operation, we have seen great feedback from our employees. They have created strong working relationships and feel part of the company. To foster team building, we organize events to bring employees together outside of work hours. We also engage with the community where we operate and work on social and economic initiatives.

On our first project in Canada, we worked in an area where the community had a 60 to 70 percent penetration rate. We involved local managers, technicians, and employees, and we ensured that they were part of the project’s success. When we completed the project, we put the last five pipelines in place, which were critical to the community’s value.

How do you envision the future of HR space?

One trend we have noticed in HR, particularly in Canada, is the use of advanced systems and tools such as data management software. These tools have significantly improved our operations, and we are continually seeking to further develop them.

Our vision for the future of HR is to create local managers and values-driven employees who can run the business effectively. As the business continues to grow, we aim to empower our employees to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the company’s success.

We believe in creating a harmonious and supportive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction and promotes the company’s growth. To achieve this, we prioritize the well-being of our employees and continually strive to provide the best working conditions possible.

What would be your advice to beginners in the industry?

As someone who has worked in various countries, I have learned that creating a positive work environment is crucial. A team that works together toward a common goal and feels like a cohesive unit is essential for success. It is important to understand that conflicts are normal when working with people from different backgrounds and experiences.

To foster a positive work environment, we must create an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable discussing any issues they may be facing. When employees feel heard and valued, complex problems are less likely to arise, and the work environment becomes more harmonious. So, my main advice is to prioritize creating a team-oriented and supportive work environment for a thriving business.