Five petroleum companies – BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, and Shell – go head-to-head today as we look at Comparably’s employee-submitted reviews and grades to determine how workers at all five companies feel about their jobs. Does Big Petroleum bother to generate much of a company culture for their employees? Does Big Oil offer big paychecks to workers on the oil rigs? Let’s see what we can dig up on the behind-the-scenes action of the Petroleum Industry…
OVERALL CULTURE
Chevron takes the first little gold trophy with a respectable B+ for Overall Culture. Shell also places in the B range and lands in second place. Our other three companies – BP, ConocoPhillips, and Marathon – have to settle for average C grades.
BP: “You are either with the ‘in’ crowd and get promoted or you stay relatively where you are even though you maybe a highly rated performer.”
Chevron: “Culture, specifically very transparent, focused on long term results, work-life recognition and balance, honest with itself, proud but humble, GOOD PEOPLE.”
ConocoPhillips: “Good overall. Just a few loose nuts along the way.”
Marathon: “A wonderful, down-to-earth company to work for.”
Shell: “My team is composed of excellent individuals who work well together and support each other.”
CEO & LEADERSHIP
Chevron takes trophy number two, thanks to the popularity of their CEO, Michael Wirth. Wirth beats ConocoPhillips’ Ryan Lance by just three percentage points, and BP’s Bob Dudley by eight. Coming in fourth and fifth are Shell’s Beurden and Marthon’s Heminger.
BP: “Workers here really like and admire the CEO.”
Chevron: “Managers need to be more in tune to what is going on than their own sphere of operation.”
ConocoPhillips: “Leaders in and around my workplace are patient, understanding, and above all caring.”
Marathon: “Leadership is made up of some pretty good problem solvers.”
Shell: “They are able to translate the strategic objective of the organization into actions that we are part of executing.”
COMPENSATION
Trophy the third goes to ConocoPhillips for the way employees feel about their Compensation, granting the company an A- and beating Shell by only one percentage point. Chevron also turns in a solid grade with a low B. And it’s average-level Cs for Marathon and BP.
BP: “It is equal/above when compared to other companies.”
Chevron: “Compensation is barely above federal mandated minimum wage. A 2% pay raise after four years is an insult.”
ConocoPhillips: “Being a widow, I am able to provide a comfortable life for myself now and prepare for what I hope will be reasonably independent elder years”
Marathon: “Not currently being paid based on prior professional experience in same field.”
Shell: “They are pay masters in the current market.”
PERKS & BENEFITS
Here’s the first three-way tie we’ve had for one of these industry challenges: Chevron, Marathon, and BP all scored the exact same B-level grade for the Perks & Benefits they offer. But the whole industry is strong on benefits, if these five companies and that row of B grades has anything to say about it. Last-place Shell clocked a score just three points behind the three-way tie at first place.
BP: “They offer onsite health centers, frequent meals, extra family leave and travel benefits.”
Chevron: “I love the 401k and paid vacation.”
ConocoPhillips: “We get credit toward health coverage for maintaining healthy weight and being smoke-free.”
Marathon: “Salary and bonus plan are lower then comparable companys in the area. Health care has also slipped compared to where it was even 3 years.”
Shell: “Good benefits. Used to have employee stock purchase, but no longer.”
DIVERSITY
ConocoPhillips takes the win for Diversity, which tracks how workers of color feel about their employers. Second-place BP sits seven percentage points behind ConocoPhillips. Chevron and Shell are close behind with B ratings. Only Marathon seems stuck in the Stone Age with a low C grade.
BP: “There is some diversity amongst the staff at BP. Depending on the division you work in. Finance more of 50/50 with women and men, but much less on ethnic diversity.”
Chevron: “Chevron is particularly good with diversity and inclusion.”
ConocoPhillips: “Diversity is common and open. There is no room for harassment or racism”
Marathon: “We have a diverse employee group which is supported by leadership.”
Shell: “Try to get some diversity into upper management. White European males cannot possible be the only ones qualified for top executive positions.”
OUTLOOK
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BP: “For an oil and gas company, they are at the front edge of innovation.”
Chevron: “People truly enjoy working at Chevron and believe in the company’s values and long term vision. Very b cultural alignment.”
ConocoPhillips: “Thus far in my experience they have supported growth, development and opportunity of all employees.”
Marathon: “It is a joy to work with my co-workers and to know that we help support the company.”
Shell: “Love the job. Positive challenenges give us the motivation we need.”
With a fourth victory in Outlook, our overall winner is Chevron. Chevron employees voted their company highly in four key areas, and of our five companies, Chevron is the one with the most satisfied employees. ConocoPhillips took two trophies, no small feat. And BP and Marathon both took one. Having to settle for going home empty-handed is Shell, who we wish better luck next time. All five of these companies will have to continue to impress to stay on top in such a competitive, controversial field.
