Leading lawyer Katie Williams is heading to a new life down under but not before highlighting “huge strides” in UK North Sea employment practices.
But she also warned the oil and gas industry must work hard to attract new recruits after its recent downturn.
Ms Williams has led the Aberdeen office of Pinsent Masons since May 2017, having joined the legal firm as a partner in April 2014.
She is relocating to Western Australia where she will build Pinsent’s Asia Pacific employment practice from Perth.
“One very positive aspect which I have witnessed is the increasing awareness and commitment to diversity and inclusion,” she said, adding: “There has been an awakening in the industry to the relevance of these issues.
“Some companies have not just become aware but made a radical cultural shift in the way they deal with these matters.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but what has been really noticeable about this sector has been the speed of change of mindset and approach over the last couple of years.”
Her satisfaction over the “huge” progress in North Sea employment practices is tempered by concerns about human resources (HR).
She said a more “transactional approach” to HR management had developed during the downturn, with “much less focus” on strategic work aimed at making sure businesses were equipped to prosper in the upturn.
Ms Williams added: “HR teams have been forced to be reactive, dealing with the basics – such as implementing existing policies, handling disciplinary and grievance issues and in some cases rapid restructuring.
“Strategic HR has suffered, with little focus on the holistic aspects of people management.”
Neglected areas include talent progression, rewards, recognition, motivation and engagement, she said.
She added: “Abandon is maybe too strong a word but those types of HR functions have either diminished or been put on hold.
“This is completely understandable because of the massive challenges many faced in the downturn, where actions were being taken just to ensure survival.
“Now it appears a recovery is underway and we are enjoying a more stable oil price, it would be to everyone’s advantage to see a resurgence in proactive and strategic HR.”