In a recent release of O.C. Tanner’s 2024 Global Culture Report, deskless workers in the oil and gas industry express significant concerns about their workplace perception. The report, based on insights gathered from over 42,000 employees globally, reveals that 42% of deskless oil workers feel their employers view them as expendable, while 29% believe their desk-based colleagues consider them inferior.

Communication challenges also surfaced in the findings, with 26% of deskless workers reporting instances of being talked down to by individuals in corporate offices. Moreover, a quarter of these workers feel that senior leadership does not take them seriously, and their ideas are often quickly dismissed.

The report suggests that addressing these challenges is crucial for improving workplace culture and recommends that industry leaders educate themselves on how to effectively appreciate and recognize their deskless workers. By understanding their preferences for recognition and creating authentic experiences, leaders can nurture a sense of belonging and boost job satisfaction.

The impact of these perceptions on employee retention and performance is significant. According to the report, when leaders understand and appreciate deskless workers, there is a 350% greater chance that these workers will choose to stay with their employer for another year. Additionally, they are 378% more likely to deliver great work and 258% more likely to experience a sense of fulfillment in their jobs.

In response to the report, industry bodies such as Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) emphasize the importance of recognizing the highly skilled offshore workforce. Alix Thom, OEUK’s Workforce Engagement and Skills Manager, underscores the skills needed for oil and gas production, emphasizing the sector's commitment to sustaining skilled jobs amid the transition to low-carbon energies.

The findings highlight the significance of fostering a positive workplace culture within the oil and gas sector to address concerns raised by deskless workers. Industry leaders are urged to prioritize understanding and recognizing the contributions of these workers to improve overall employee retention, job satisfaction, and performance.