22
PEOPLE & DIVERSITY
By Tsvetana Paraskova
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN THE ENERGY SECTOR The energy sector has seen increased diversity and inclusion in recent years. Yet, more action in hiring and retention of diverse talent is needed to allow all employees regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity to thrive in an industry where women and ethnic minorities have been historically under-represented.
Governments, non-profit organisations, industry associations, and energy companies are increasingly adopting diversity and inclusion strategies to allow everyone willing to work in the energy industry to have equal opportunities to flourish as employees or senior executives at oil, gas, and renewable energy firms. Advancing gender equality and diversity in the energy sector is one of the proposals of the UK Presidency of the G7 group of most developed nations.
Governments vow to address unequal representation “Successfully transitioning to a net zero future will depend on our ability to harness all possible talent in service of the breakthrough ideas and solutions that will transform our societies,” the UK government says. “There is more work to be done if we are to ensure the net zero transformation results in growth that is inclusive, and where benefits are shared. We have the responsibility to act together to support women and other groups to succeed and thrive in industries where they have been under-represented in the past,” it noted. The UK Presidency proposes commitments to make gender, equity, and diversity central to the global energy sector’s recovery efforts, as well as to invest in the growth and development of diverse talent to ultimately advance them into leadership roles. G7 plus other industrialised nations and more than 135 energy companies have joined the 'Equal by 30' public commitment by public and private sector organisations to work towards equal pay, equal leadership, and equal opportunities for women in the clean energy sector by 2030.
Women account for 32% of energy sector workforce globally According to a recent survey for EqualBy30 carried out by technology company Diversio, women account for 32% of the global energy sector workforce, while racial and ethnic minorities account for 22%. Black and Latinx individuals are under-represented compared to population, said Diversio, which used AI algorithms to identify employee gender and ethnicity in the energy sector as part of its mission to improve diversity and inclusion (D&I) globally. Another finding from the survey highlighted the fact that while women make up 39% of roles at the entry level, they represent just 26% of all executives and C-Suite leaders. For racial and ethnic minorities, the C-Suite leaders’ percentage is even lower, 20%. Focusing on inclusion is important for companies to advance D&I in the energy sector. The top inclusion metrics are inclusive culture, fair management, career development, workplace flexibility, and workplace safety ensuring all employees are not experiencing sexual, psychological, or physical harassment, Diversio’s research showed.
www.ogv.energy I July 2021
