Energy Workforce CEO Leslie Beyer joined the “Energy’s Got 99 Problems And These Are Just Some” panel at Digital Wildcatter’s “FUZE 2022: Igniting Energy Tech” conference to talk about workforce in the energy services sector.
Alongside Jason Word, Oilfield Marketplace, Jason Olbekson, Salesforce and Diana Grauer, NOV, the panel looked at how new technologies, policy developments and changing climate are forcing the energy sector to think differently.
Beyer said the biggest problem she sees the sector facing right now is on messaging and our relationship with the government in Washington, DC. This relationship was recently highlighted when President Biden addressed the nation on gas prices, encouraging Congress to seek taxes on windfall profits and blaming the energy industry for not investing domestically.
During the panel, Beyer pointed out that with energy at the forefront of the conversations at the federal level, and in Egypt and Europe, it is critical to have productive and pragmatic dialogues. Energy Workforce leads those efforts through its annual Washington DC Fly-In where Member Company executives engage with policymakers and advocate for the energy services and technology sector by showcasing technology and innovation.
The ability of the energy industry to message well also impacts its ability to attract and retain a healthy workforce. Beyer pointed to Member Companies that incorporate formal policies to show how the sector can provide a sustainable work and lifestyle. Having diversity of thought within leadership allows companies to pilot and develop policies that can compete with other attractive industries. In its “Great Rehire” series, the Energy Workforce HR Committee looked at how companies might rethink their approach to talent acquisition, compensation and managing a hybrid workforce to set members up with recommended best practices.
Beyer said she is optimistic about the future of the energy services sector and its role in the energy expansion taking place in the United States and globally. Settings like FUZE provide an opportunity for cross-industry discussion on energy technology, an area where Energy Workforce Member Companies have long been leaders in advancing new technologies.
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
