PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Key workplace trends from the ABN Resource Lubricants Talent Report
James Moorhouse, Director, ABN Resource
The latest talent report from ABN Resource shares key trend insights in global and regional lubricant workforces. Now, in its third year, the annual report achieved a record number of responses from an international industry audience. Delivering the most comprehensive data, research, and insight into workplace trends for the lubes sector.
Growth remains the biggest priority in the industry, yet this aspiration is accompanied by some challenges to navigate. Geopolitical tensions, generational workforce shifts, sustainability, regulatory changes, shifting consumer behaviour, and technological advancements must be navigated successfully to achieve growth.
Talent attraction — a key challenge Talent acquisition and retention have emerged as a critical challenge for the lubricants industry, with 36% of respondents identifying them as a top priority. 42% of professionals who responded to the survey are aged 55+, signalling an impending retirement wave. Companies must act decisively to avoid a knowledge gap crisis, implementing robust succession planning and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Data showed that smaller firms (1-50 employees) often outperform their larger counterparts (5,001+ employees) in workforce retention; potentially highlighting tight-knit, supportive cultures that help keep employees valued and engaged. In contrast, large enterprises wrestle with the complexities of managing extensive bureaucratic structures while striving for equitable talent management across diverse teams. This contrast underscores the tailored approaches businesses of different sizes must adopt to thrive.
To attract a younger, more diverse talent pool, lubricant companies must increase their efforts. This requires leadership and staff to create and implement plans and processes. A communications strategy to amplify an employer’s value proposition, showcasing the company vision, values, career growth opportunities, and culture will help attract talent.
Job satisfaction — Improving but needs to do better 63% of the respondents reported job satisfaction levels as either satisfied or very satisfied. A sharp rise from just 48% reporting those levels in 2023. The positive uplift in scores is encouraging, but it
Continued on page 44 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.185 FEBRUARY 2025 43
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