Petroplan's inaugural 'Talent Insight Index' finds that more than 60 percent of oil and gas professionals would recommend a career in the sector to others in spite of the prolonged downturn.

A survey from recruitment consulting firm Petroplan suggests that in spite of the prolonged downturn, more than 60 percent of oil and gas professionals would recommend a career in the sector to others.

The 'Talent Insight Index' survey, conducted in November among more than 1,500 professionals engaged in a wide variety of oil and gas roles in 107 countries, found that more than 60 percent of respondents were actively committed to the oil and gas sector, despite low oil prices and mass redundancies. However, 88 percent also stated that they were on the lookout for new opportunities.

Of those not currently actively seeking a new position, 56 percent said they would consider changing jobs given the right circumstances.

The survey also revealed more than 40 percent of respondents believe that decision-making in their organization 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 more than half of respondents stating that the industry will inevitably recover, and more than a third believing that recovery will happen in the next two years.

Petroplan CEO Andrew Speers commented in a statement accompanying the results of the survey:

“The results of the Talent Insight Index show that 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.”

Full details of the survey's results can be found here.