Upstream harnesses the power of diversity and inclusion

Upstream’s inaugural Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Collaboration Workshop signifies a bold new chapter in the business line’s D&I efforts. The event marks the first time that Upstream admin areas, Community Services (CS), and corporate Human Resources (HR) have come together to share ideas on building an even more welcoming, equitable, and diverse work environment.

Sustaining our leadership 

Nasir K. Al-Naimi, Upstream president, said: “If we are to realize our increased production ambitions while simultaneously sustaining our leadership in smarter, greener, and cost-effective operations, then it is imperative that we draw upon the most diverse talent pool available to us. We are therefore determined to press ahead with injecting this additional dynamism and creativity into our workforce.”

A keynote address by Khalid M. Abdulqader, diversity champion and senior vice president of Unconventional Resources, emphasized the positive relationship between D&I, creativity, and high performance: “Let us not forget that a strong focus on D&I is absolutely vital to enrich our ability to attract, retain, and develop an exceptional workforce; and for encouraging each other to draw upon our unique experiences, skills, and knowledge in ways that enhance our ability to realize our ambitions,” he said.

Employees from Upstream’s admin areas recounted their individual D&I journeys, sharing experiences of challenges and solutions. Representatives from HR, Training and Development, and CS showcased recent D&I-related progress. 

Major expansions 

Turki H. Rayyani, then Northern Area director (A) for CS, said: “Currently, major expansions are on the way in areas like Tanajib to accommodate Upstream’s scale-up, manpower increase, and heightened production ambitions, and we are leveraging this opportunity to render our front-line facilities more appropriate for women and people with disabilities (PwD).”

The workshop showcased the proliferation of efforts underway within the business line to enhance female representation within the workforce, and harness the talents of PwD, youth, and those from diverse backgrounds. Northern Area Gas Operations, for instance, already boasts two D&I certified facilities suitable for female use. Drilling and Workover, meanwhile, has spearheaded an outreach campaign for high school students to encourage women to pursue degrees in Engineering. 

Ahmed A. Al Eidan, director (A) of the Upstream Business Support Department, said: “Collectively, this myriad of contributions from the grassroots up are all helping in a big way to uphold Upstream’s ambition to raise the proportion of female employees in operational and chief position holder roles, to inject greater diversity to remote camps, and to engage more candidates with disabilities. That is why we have been so very eager to solicit opinions and insights straight from the front line.”

The workshop represents the start of a continuous journey that will see multiple get-togethers to promote a business line-wide approach to advancing D&I over and beyond obligations and targets. 

Caption for top photo: The inaugural Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Collaboration Workshop signifies a bold new chapter in Upstream’s D&I efforts. (Photo: Zainab M. Alnaboud/MPD)