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Diversity & Inclusion
Empowering diversity & inclusion in
the energy industry Image Credit: Adobe Stock
Crinuta Poiac, MEA diversity, equity & inclusion leader, Emerson Automation Solutions, discusses the business benefits of diversity in the workforce, and how to further promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the energy industry.
Businesses are putting in place active campaigns towards diversity.
HE OIL AND gas sector is going through a transformational period with diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability being drivers for change in the way businesses approach their work. This industry-wide shift opens up opportunities to build and elevate conversations on DE&I and its potential to accelerate innovation and progress in the oil and gas sector.
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A sector-wide look Into DE&I Women account for 48% of the global workforce across all industries. Zooming into the oil, gas, and energy industry, women
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make up only 22% of the oil and gas sector, and 32% of the renewable energy sector. This percentage only gets smaller as we go further into the leadership level, with women taking up 27% of entry-level positions, 17% of senior executive-level positions, and only 1% of C-suite leaders. However, the disparity is not solely down to the shortage of diversity programmes. The lack of
women in technical and field roles must also be considered. Women in the oil and gas sector typically take up roles with support functions such as human resources, legal and marketing, with only a small percentage whose expertise is in engineering, manufacturing, and research. The good news is there is much opportunity to energise the DE&I agenda. With sustainability
Women make up only 22% of the oil and gas sector, and 32% of the renewable energy sector.”
influencing a rapid transformation in the global energy landscape, there is a massive increase in job opportunities that require varied specialisations up to 2050, which leaves more room for diversification in the sector. Other than this, businesses have also begun active campaigns towards diversity, setting metrics and quotas, reviewing work policies, and consciously promoting DE&I initiatives. For Emerson, DE&I is aligned with the company’s values, culture, and commitment to leaving the world a safer, smarter, more sustainable place. Emerson believes that diversity promotes innovation as it encourages new
