Thread regarding Shell Oil layoffs

Look at the amount of bi-----g about Shell on here, vs other companies, and you’ll have your answer. Exxon, Honeywell, as examples have far more active whine sessions than Shell (on here at least). Chevron? Citgo? BP?

From another response: "As for the micromanaging question, it'll depend on the manager or supervisor. I use those terms loosely as most in those positions have little to no knowledge of the area they are over seeing. Shell puts individuals in those positions to manage people, more like a Foreman. Not individuals that will grow their direct reports, as leaders should."

This is so true! I don't understand this, but i have seen so many managers who have NO KNOWLEDGE of what the people they are managing actually do nor could they do the job if they had to do it. I even know someone who was being asked to take a management role, when he said he didn't really understand what the team did, was told that he didn't need to understand. Unbelievable!!!

It isn't mentioned but the biggest thing is that if you are going to be in oil and gas it won't be stable. Shell used to be a safer place to work but you get reshuffled so often within the company that you don't get valuable experience that can be used in other oil companies.

Their new energy stuff is a mess as they keep shuffling that organization as the organizations executives keep leaving the company and they haven't figured out how to make money from it.

Other oil companies rarely hire shell employee. Also this forum is mostly used in the USA which is why you don't hear as many complains in the shell section since most of shell employees are in other countries.

In summary, I wouldn't recommend working at shell if you are seeking stabilit as there are better places to go where you can get the experience you require and grow.

@2ivg+1geKpfME

Dealing with good/bad supervisor isn't an issue for me. You find these people everywhere and in all company. My main concern was, to not join a company where layoffs is a random and continued activity. I have family, kids who need to settle in schools, and I am a homeowner, so I really really really need the long-term job stability.

Shell has been good to me. Great for you to be able to join our company.
As a self-starting technical person who doesn't really need a supervisor, I find that my supervisors alternate between friendly-how-can-I-help-you supporters, and self-interested-I-will-show-you-who-the-boss-is overlords. In both cases you will find their bandwidth is reduced by the need to work on their next progression 95% of the time.

@2oda+1geKpfME
It is interesting that you mentioned this. I had already posted similar threads on the page of other companies, and one thing I noticed: The negativity here on the Shell page is much less and much softer that other companies. Clearly that at leasts tells me that people are not as much desperate here at Shell than other companies. Plus, I at least found 3-4 people supporting Shell unlike other threads. I guess the overall takeaway is that there is minimal risk in taking the offer. While there are some negative comments around, but they are much softer than other comments on the page of other companies.

Here is a suggestion. Post the same thing at the various boards of other oil or energy companies (Exxon, Chevron etc .....) and see how incredible positive the responses will be :). Then re-examine your choice for getting some sound feedback or advise ......

Don't listen to the haters who are only here to detract. I bet they don't even work for Shell. Those are the drawbacks of anonymous boards .... Shell is a great company with a great history. You will not regret it. But choose wiser next time you ask for some feedback .....

"Obviously, a smart candidate looks to a variety of sources (this site, the company's website, various job boards, et al) prior to making a big decision impacting their family."

I am not sure if "this site" would be a good source anymore then Fox would be a good source for reliable news ......

@1ydm+1geKpfME

Thank you very much. I agree, and yes, I did do my own research on other websites as well and I have reached out to former employees via Linkedin and similarly to current employees, trying to get as much in formation as possible about the company and it's culture.
I also read a lot of the Glassdoor reviews. Frankly speaking, most reviews are good.

I was expecting mostly discouraging comments on this website, and that's fine. I specifically wanted to see if there is a particular story or other things to know from the feedback here.

I welcome all comments, good and bad ones, and it is all helpful.

Dear original poster - does @1tct's response help you?

Clearly supportive of the company (which is fantastic and their right, of course), they respond by presuming undue bias of other posters that have differing views, while also managing to insult your intelligence, as well.

Obviously, a smart candidate looks to a variety of sources (this site, the company's website, various job boards, et al) prior to making a big decision impacting their family.

Welcome to the company's culture and critical thinking skills.

I hope you are not serious about going to a site like this for true insights on your question. If you do think that then I would recommend you not getting the Shell offer. For Shell's sake since your judgement would leave something to be desired .....

The better you are technically the less likely you will survive. Terrible work culture that promotes incompetence. As stated wokeness trumps ability.

I was an experienced JGA hire that walked away with a package recently, despite being offered a Reshape role. I left the ~$500k euro / annum role due to terrible company culture and discriminatory ‘wokeness’ used as a litmus in the most recent reorg, versus actual talent.

Please understand what you are signing up for.

Shell will overstaff by 10-20% and threaten you with a looming layoff of 10-20% every two years. It’s cut throat competition culture and that’s how they squeeze out performance. If you can handle it and feel confident that you’ll succeed, go for it. With a fam, I wouldn’t feel that way. It was great when I was single and had nothing to lose.

Decline the offer or make a counter offer for one that would make the risk worth it for you and your family to move.
It's been noted on this forum many times that Shell is not a company with any job security. I was there for 6 years and every year there would be announcement that job cuts were coming and you'd have to re apply for your position. Even when a Production Unit Manager was asked in a townhall if the "new normal" would be layoffs on a regular basis, they said yes.
As for the micromanaging question, it'll depend on the manager or supervisor. I use those terms loosely as most in those positions have little to no knowledge of the area they are over seeing. Shell puts individuals in those positions to manage people, more like a Foreman. Not individuals that will grow their direct reports, as leaders should.
In short, the Shell offer would most likely be a short term gain that would have negative impacts in the long run........Unless your a person who doesn't mind stepping on and over anyone to get ahead.

Just take a quick look at the previous post. Job security is a joke here.

Shell is not stable. You will need to apply to your own job every couple years

it's a commodity company. not engineering or research.
you will be treated as a commodity.

what type of business? Dont give specifics, but something generic helps provide insights