Shell Set to Cut 20% of Jobs in Some Oil and Gas Divisions

Shell Plc plans to reduce its workforce by around 20% in certain oil and gas exploration and development sectors as part of an initiative led by CEO Wael Sawan to enhance efficiency and profitability. This reduction follows previous layoffs in various company divisions, including deal-making and low-carbon solutions. Areas affected include exploration, strategy, portfolio management, development, subsurface, and wells. The company intends to engage with employee representative groups regarding these changes. According to a company representative, Shell's strategy focuses on maximizing value while minimizing emissions, emphasizing performance, discipline, and operational simplification. In the transportation sector, such workforce cuts reflect a significant trend towards automation and efficiency within energy industries, including oil and gas. As companies like Shell adapt to a rapidly changing market and regulatory landscape aimed at reducing carbon footprints, it will be critical for firms to strategically balance their human capital with technological advancements. This not only affects job security for workers but also influences the skill sets demanded in the transportation and energy fields. Transitioning to a more sustainable model may necessitate upskilling or reskilling existing employees to meet future energy demands without sacrificing environmental commitments.