HR on 'The Ice': in the extreme conditions of Antarctica, there is no place for weak HR practices

HR Magazine, June, 2004 by Ann Pomeroy

Polar employees know that their work makes a difference on another level, too. Because they work in such a difficult environment, they depend on each other to sustain life on The Ice.

"If the power plant goes out, for instance, that's a major problem," says Boruch. "Success depends on every person doing his or her job well."

That's a message given to applicants early in the process. The voluminous "United States Antarctic Program Participant Guide" given to each new employee spells it out in plain language: "At times everyone will be expected to work a longer than usual work week, assist others in the performance of their duties, and/or assume community-related job responsibilities. Everyone will do his or her share of the menial tasks, such as floor scrubbing, washroom cleanup, dishwashing, snow shoveling, etc. Due to the challenges that work in Antarctica presents, no guarantee can be made regarding the duties, location or duration of work. This is not an attempt to paint an overly bleak picture that will discourage all but the stouthearted. Rather, it is an effort to present work ... realistically."

The guide continues: "The objective is to support science, maintain the station and see to the well-being of all station personnel. All are expected to work as long and hard as necessary in obtaining this objective."

To further drive home the point that working in Antarctica is a serious commitment, the Participant Guide includes this ominous sentence: "In the event of a major accident that will make news headlines (e.g., plane or helicopter crash), U.S. Antarctic Program management will advise the emergency contact of those participants involved."

While the harsh Antarctic conditions can be potentially frightening, they also can crystallize the mission and purpose of each individual's work.

"There's very little hierarchy on The Ice," says Shemenski. "We all do whatever is needed. The power plant manager is probably more important than the doctor, and the cook is the most important of all!"

An HR Microcosm

New employees have been through a lengthy process by the time they land at McMurdo Station and meet Clarissa Weir, SPHR, head of HR during the austral winter season (February to October). After flying to Denver for the necessary medical and psychological tests, successful applicants receive their offer letters, wind up their affairs back in the States and fly to Christchurch, New Zealand, where they pick up their Extreme Cold Weather Gear and go through orientation before flying on to Antarctica.

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"This really is the greatest place to practice good HR," Weir says. "I have a group of employees who are in excellent health. They have free housing, free medical care and very good nutrition provided to them. I have no issues with illegal aliens, attendance problems, language barriers or accommodations for disabilities."

What's more, it's a controlled environment, and the potential HR problems are narrow in scope, she says.

But they can be deep.