The SalMar Culture, shared values, shared culture
SalMar’s company culture is constantly under development, and is built on success factors which have gradually evolved within the company from its inception in 1991 and up to today. Although SalMar’s company culture is affected by both external and internal conditions, there are some overarching factors which will always be the foundation of our shared culture. Of particular importance are a focus on biological assets, operational efficiency and safe food production.
SalMar’s output takes a long time to produce. For an individual salmon it is a process that continues 24 hours a day, seven days a week for three years. In a biological production process yesterday’s actions are carried over into the next phase. A frivolous attitude to how biological assets are treated can have serious consequences, both in the short and long term. To be a leader in the aquaculture industry it is therefore crucial to have a shared culture and shared values.
Underpinning all SalMar’s business activities and strategic actions is its vision: To be the lowest cost producer and supplier of farmed salmon to the European market, in the sense of being the most cost-effective. To realise this vision the entire organisation must do what it takes to succeed. SalMar standards have been developed for all group business units and departments. Their purpose is to form the basis for the development of our company culture and to raise awareness throughout the production process. The SalMar standards describe important focus areas for managers and employees, and are meant to be easily understood and practised by everyone in SalMar, regardless of their role in the company.
To further reinforce the company’s vision and overall objectives, a number of slogans have been drawn up, which describe the behaviours and actions expected of all employees. It is, after all, the employees who together make up the SalMar culture, and who keep it moving forward.
What we do today we do better than we did yesterday clearly expresses our determination that our processes must be continuously developed and improved if the company is to be a market leader. While the slogan also describes our ability to conquer our own limitations, encouraging us to constantly search for improvements and maintain a fanatical eye for detail, it also fosters our capacity to rejoice in the success of others.
The job is not done until the person you are doing it for is satisfied, is intended to increase our understanding of the fact that everyone is knowledgeable about and takes responsibility for the entire three-year production process. Salmon production is a collaborative effort, in which we must – both internally and externally – always live up to the quality standards and expectations of the person for whom we are doing a task.
Focus on the solution – not the problem expresses the idea that it is up to each and every one of us to suggest possible solutions to any problems which may arise, rather than spreading despondency and passivity by focusing on the obstacles. Everyone has a personal responsibility to identify and implement solutions, rather than waiting for someone else to tell them what to do.
The job we do today is vital to SalMar’s success is intended to create an understanding of the fact that today is what matters, and that it is down to each of us, regardless of where in the production chain we are. Through measures like the SalMar School all employees are informed about SalMar’s vision, objectives, values and cultural slogans, which are the basis for understanding that all parts of the production chain are equally important.
We care expresses the importance of developing good attitudes, respect and care for the salmon we raise, our workforce, customers, partners and society at large. Standards with respect to the ethical management of biological assets are steadily being raised. That we care affects not only our biological and financial performance, but also the way we are regarded by the community around us.
We shall be the lowest-cost producer from roe to finished product is about creating an understanding of and pride in the aim of always being the most costeffective producer of farmed salmon. This means that we dare to be different, and welcome the challenges our vision and goals present to us.