Employee engagement and retention have been identified as top challenges facing human resources executives in the oil and gas industry.

According to a recent survey of the Middle Eastern market carried out by the International Quality and Productivity Centre, 44 per cent of energy industry HR execs identified retention as the top priority, compared to 19 per cent who were most concerned about recruitment.

Commenting on the report, Saudi Aramco's HR and organisation development consultant Mark Bechtold said the sector will face rising costs, competitive business environments, and changing workforce demographics in the months and years to come.

"To address these issues, management in Middle East Oil & Gas companies must build on the strengths of the Middle Eastern, Arab culture in a way that involves, engages and inspires employees to work harder and smarter," he added.

As such, oil and gas training initiatives and career development programmes will be vital in ensuring employees remain engaged in their work, Mr Bechtold recognised.

Aramco has long pioneered a Saudization programme intended to increase local participation in the energy sector.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development