Innovation crucial in a post-pandemic world

What does the future of work look like? Are we going to forever be in front of screens rather than in front of people? How do you have diversity and inclusion conversations these days?

These questions were posed by the host of the Future of Work panel held as part of IP Week.

Attended by Reem A. Al-Ghanim, Aramco's head of HR and Support Services, Chemicals Business, and five other delegates from across government, academia, and industry, the panel explored a wide array of topics ranging from career advice to leadership in an era of energy transformation.

Discussing the skills required as part of the transition to net-zero and in the post-pandemic era, Al-Ghanim pointed to the power of innovation, citing an article published by MIT Sloan that noted as quality communication, transparency and honesty have increased during COVID-19, greater emphasis needs to be placed on agility.

“Technology will undoubtedly be at the forefront of innovation and future workforce skills,” said Al-Ghanim, who further noted that as part of the W20 communique last year, one of the key measures for economic recovery is to increase women and girls' access to technology, especially in rural and remote areas. This requires building infrastructure, connectivity, and capacity for training.

Al-Ghanim also spoke about the Gulf Region Organization for Women (GROW) and its efforts in diversity and inclusion, and in encouraging more young women to join the energy industry and tackle more STEM classes. She added that there has been evidence of substantial change in these areas, as witnessed at the Annual Leadership Excellence for Women Awards and Symposium last year, with more men and organizations championing the cause.

Speaking about post-pandemic efforts, Al-Ghanim noted that training will be critical, adding that at Aramco “We've been able to switch many of these programs to online learning” to maintain and grow skills even when “face-to-face learning wasn't an option.”