A new industry survey suggests the oil and gas workforce remains loyal to the sector despite the global downturn, but company loyalty is evaporating.
The industry has been plunged into crisis by the collapse in the oil price since the end of 2014, costing hundreds of thousands of jobs worldwide.
Findings from energy services recruiter Petroplan’s inaugural Talent Insight Index reveal more than 60% of those surveyed said that they would be very or extremely likely to recommend a career in the oil and gas industry.
However, the results also highlight that company loyalty is acutely low.
More than 1,500 industry professionals took part in the survey, which set out to measure how recent volatility and change within the industry has affected the outlook of the global workforce.
Respondents included staff, contractors and those out of work but actively looking for roles in the industry, across a range of disciplines from over 107 countries and territories worldwide.
Nearly two thirds of respondents stated they were actively committed to the oil and gas sector, despite low oil prices and mass redundancies.
However, the vast majority – 88% – also stated that they were on the lookout for new opportunities. Of those not proactively seeking a new position, 56% said they would consider changing jobs given the right circumstances.
Petroplan chief executive Andrew Speers, said: “The results show there needs to be a major shift in employer attitudes to retention and talent management.
“Although we have a committed workforce, people are weary of the ups and downs of the sector. Companies have to balance the risks and rewards of job cuts with retaining key people and skills shortages.”
“While it might seem like a strange time to talk about loyalty and talent retention, we must.
“The industry has to take a longer-term view to investing in, retaining and developing its people. It’s the only way that we can slow down the rollercoaster of boom and bust.”
The survey also revealed over 40% of respondents believe that decision-making in their organisation has improved, while nearly one third believe there is increased innovation and productivity in the sector.
The survey findings also present a positive view of the future, with over half of respondents stating that the industry will inevitably recover, and over a third believing that recovery will happen in the next two years.
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