Oil and gas workers are afraid to take a break – even in company where they receive generous family leave or vacation days. These benefits, while intended to recruit top talent, aren’t helpful to workers in the oilfield cultures where they are made to feel that taking a vacation or prioritizing family is frowned upon. The work-only culture is especially pronounced in the oil and gas industry. The employees felt they could not take time off work or even attend to a sick family member for fear that it might cost them professionally. Employees face conflicting forces: They understand that taking advantage of benefits will improve their well-being, but they also are afraid that taking time off reflects negatively on their commitment to the organization. You can suffer career penalties such as being more likely to be on the layoff list if you take leave for caring for children. Well-rested and balanced workers are more productive and tend to stay in a company longer. High job demands increased the odds of having a doctor-diagnosed illness by 35 percent, and long work hours increased the chances of early death by almost 20 percent. The biggest stressor was the worry of being fired or laid off. The current model in the oilfield is broken.
4 replies (most recent on top)
"Freedom of Choice" and "Employment at Will" are the highlights of capitalism. Always have a plan B in case this profession is not to your liking.
Get a grip. £1 years offshore and the time off is great second too none. Onshore with travel and OT the hours are gruelling and if you are lucky 1-1 days off before you start again. Add in on call and the household chores ,grass cutting etc and it is no time off. Stop whining ofshore workers and be thankful that you get time off.
This is the truth! The whole truth!
Very sad that people don't see it.
I'm 50. I saw 23-28 years Olds with high blood pressure. Bad food. Long hours. No sleep= your dead!
Worked in the field 35 plus. You hit the nail on the head. ....