To serve as a benchmark for our client and guidance for intervention, 6 Group was initially asked to conduct a competitive intelligence study to highlight differences in gender balance between the client and rival O&G organisations.
The research illustrated they were lagging behind competitors in terms of female share of total organisation population. They held 24% female representation across the company.
The number of female leaders in the organisation was significantly worse. Only 8% of the total leadership population was female. The lowest out of all companies involved in the study.
Following the data gathering stage, we were subsequently asked by the client to conduct an extensive talent mapping exercise.
The map
6 Group was tasked with identifying a talent map and developing a talent pool of gender diverse candidates who would be suited to and interested in joining the client in the technical and asset functions of the business.
The profile used for the assignment focused around three main routes of career progression into an asset management role. This included a subsurface or technical career track, a project engineering and management related track and a commercial track which was identified as the least likely but still plausible career route into an asset management position.
After completing a map of the external market meeting this brief, 6 Group approached individuals for participation in the talent pool. This included completing an initial screen to test for suitability, engaging potential candidates through providing marketing material and information about the client's organisation, and assessing interested candidates through a competency-based assessment where they were happy to commit time to a formal interview.
During conversations with prospective candidates, we were able to collate substantial market intelligence around opinions of the client, opinions on gender diversity and inclusion in the Oil & Gas industry. This also included insight into competitor’s diversity and inclusion related efforts.
6 Group proactively mapped potential candidates at over 35 Oil & Gas companies.
The first stage of the project included mapping companies globally to identify female candidates with experience suited to career advancement into asset management positions or beyond within the client's organisation.
Screening and selection was carried out over three stages:
Qualification & telephone screen
An initial screening discussion was conducted to confirm the prospective candidate’s current role and career path as well as potential interest in participating in the project with the client. After this initial screen, the candidate briefing document was issued and a follow up call arranged.
Enhanced qualification post briefing document
After receiving and reading the briefing document, candidates were encouraged to ask any questions they had about the project or client in general and a further qualification was conducted to gauge their level of interest, their career goals and their ability to relocate or work in locations where the client operates.
Competency-based interview
Interested candidates were progressed to a formal CBI covering behavioural competencies and a final exploration of motivations and current situation. The behavioural competencies selected to be assessed by the client were:
- Results driven
- Motivates & coaches
- Builds common vision
Location Split
Of the 217 identified prospective candidates, the talent map was split into Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific as specific regions as depicted in the following chart.
NB – the location of two identified candidates was unknown, leaving a slight discrepancy in the figures.
Total number of suitable females identified: 217
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This indicates that gender diverse employees are fairly evenly distributed globally by region, however, looking at specific countries displays a marked difference.
Career Track Split
From the 217 identified individuals, a specifically defined career track was discernible for 210 individuals. The career track split in the talent map is as follows:
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Market Intelligence
Market intelligence was gathered by 6 Group on how competitor organisations (as identified by the client as being more advanced in their gender diversity efforts) had been successful in promoting diversity & inclusion.
Five companies were extensively examined and details of all key D&I initiatives over the last 20 years were provided to the client.
From discussions with women working in technical discipline areas, 6 Group also gathered a range of opinions on the client's organisation as a potential employer as well as how women working in the Oil & Gas industry view the client, specifically their views on the companies approach to diversity.
Below are just some of the comments received:
Female candidate 1:
“I have the impression they are not as accommodating for women, especially those with children requiring more flexible working arrangements.”
Female candidate 2:
“Both males and females in my network share the opinion that they give the idea that they first look at your way of thinking and ideology before they look at your technical skills.”
Female candidate 3:
“I’m not aware of their operations, but I hope they won’t just lower their employment standards in order to hire more women.”
Female candidate 4:
“My view of them is that unless you are in HR or a similar non-technical discipline you can only progress so far. The only technical role where women can advance is HSEQ.”
The above intelligence served as a valued resource in helping to reshape the client organisation's EVP and employer brand to better engage with female talent.
The client asked 6 Group to maintain the talent pool on their behalf. On a monthly basis, each candidate in the talent pool was contacted to ascertain their current circumstances and to ensure clarity around any change of circumstance or motivation which may affect their ability to be included in this project.
When individuals withdrew from the talent pool, 6 Group identified and qualified replacement candidates in order to continually maintain the talent pool at 10 qualified prospective candidates who fit the initial brief.
Outcome
The client gained unparrelled visibility of gender representation across a large portion of their industry and was able to set diversity & inclusion targets accordingly.
What's more, the talent mapping exercise provided a sizeable group of female candidates across technical and asset disciplines. This included their perception of the client's organisation as a diverse employer.
The talent mapping data will continue to act as an invaluable cornerstone for the client's hiring strategy for years to come.
