Whether it’s quiet quitting, the great resignation, changing workforce demographics or the perceived “dirtiness” of the industry, the oil and gas sector has been struggling to recruit and retain the talent it needs.

The industry has been particularly hard hit by a convergence of long-standing trends: retiring baby boomers, a societal and industry-wide shift towards sustainability, and the digital transformation of work.

In a recent EY survey of young Americans, over 62% responded that they consider a career in oil and gas “unappealing,” and 39% responded that they consider it “very unappealing.” Many young people believe that the oil and gas industry is a dangerous and dirty industry that contributes to climate change.

“A seismic cultural shift is under way that will make it increasingly difficult for oil and gas companies to attract and retain knowledgeable, highly skilled workers — undermining the industry’s ability to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” write the E&Y authors.

Over half of workers in the oil and gas industry have said that they expect to work in a different industry in the next five years, according to a recent survey.

What can oil and gas companies do to attract and retain the talent that they need to thrive in the decades ahead? This ebook, produced in conjunction with our upcoming Operational Excellence in Oil and Gas Summit, looks at key tactics, leadership qualities and ways in which operational excellence can help.