Other posters have touched that there management categorizes employees as mules and stars. Stars go on recruiting trips and interview prospective employees. Mules do not. Mules are kept around to do the work but are not considered for advancement. They are not abused but expected to stay in place regardless of performance, good or bad. The value they bring to the company is often attributed to stars, even if the star had little to do with it. Star employees are often mentor, are promoted quickly and sometimes do not finish projects before moving to the next position. Star employees often receive 2nd and 3rd chances without being relegated to mule status. These things aren't minor and would be automatic dismissals at other energy firms. Year after year, poor performers are retained, both stars and mules.
Some managers understand very little about the business or what they are responsible for. There are no clear and accountable goals for managers. If a manager fails year after year, there are no consequences. These managers provide no direction to their reports and the whole organization suffers. There's lots of talent being wasted this way.
Pay and benefits are well below market. Without the stock award program, the average employee receives no cash incentive for safety, good operations, appreciation ect. The stock award program will end in a few years after the last tranch of stock is awarded. There are no safety awards or free shirts like other energy firms.
