In a world full of acronyms, one stands out among front-line employees: LOPs.
Short for lines of progression, LOPs outline career pathways for certain site hourly positions. Simplifying and streamlining the process and materials for employees is a current focus of Freeport’s Talent Management team.
“LOPs are an important way we support employee growth and development as well as retention,” said Jim Merwin, Director-Talent Management. “There’s been some frustration about the process, but we’re committed to taking steps to improve it.”
Most recently, the company introduced a new pay program targeting entry-level Operations and Maintenance roles to reward employees as skills develop within lines of progression. This aims to attract and retain employees, so the right talent is in place to execute on the company’s safe production plans.
In addition, LOPs are being added into SuccessFactors Learning, the company’s learning management system (LMS), which launched in 2023. Through the LMS, employees will be able to access the LOPs they need and track their learning history – all in one place and on their own schedule.
This move comes on the heels of an ongoing effort to standardize all lines of progression guidelines, which is no small task considering the multitude of LOPs in circulation at North America sites.
“The goal is to have a consistent approach that outlines specific training and development criteria for career advancement across all sites,” said Erich Bower, General Manager-Strategic Workforce Development. “We want to ensure there is a clear path forward and improve the employee experience with this process.”
Five LOPs came out of an initial standardization in 2022 – Fixed Plant Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Shovel and Drill Maintenance, Boilermaker/Welder, and Electrical/Instrumentation.
The first of these – Heavy Equipment Maintenance – will be available in the LMS starting in the second quarter. The four others will follow later this year, with the potential to add more LOPs over time, as they become standardized.
“We’re excited to revitalize the program and hope these changes are positively received by employees,” Bower said. “Make no mistake, LOPs are hard work and promotions must be earned, but it’s worth the effort for employees and the company.”