The lubricants industry continues to operate in a world of mounting complexity and volatility. A fresh wave of disruption — from renewed conflict in the Middle East affecting trade routes and supply chains, to the ongoing war in Ukraine and now escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
Against this geopolitical backdrop, businesses are contending with rising costs, unpredictable logistics and the challenge of maintaining momentum in a constantly shifting environment. But behind all the headlines, market data and geopolitical risk assessments lies the beating heart of the industry – its people.
While companies adapt strategies and adjust forecasts, the chemists, engineers, operators, leaders, commercial teams, logistics specialists and many more who keep this industry moving are grappling with a different kind of pressure. They’re not just navigating professional challenges; they’re experiencing the weight of change, uncertainty and transformation in their day-to-day working lives.
So, what keeps them going? What motivates them to stay in their roles or seek out new opportunities? What does “career satisfaction” look like in such a fast-evolving landscape?
Now in its fourth year, the ABN Resource Talent Survey is one of the most comprehensive and people-focused insight initiatives in the lubricants and base oils industry.
Each year, the survey gathers feedback on job satisfaction, career development opportunities, diversity and inclusion, workplace culture and leadership effectiveness. It gives a platform to voices that are often overlooked in top-level decision-making but whose input is essential to the health and success of the industry.
With the 2025 edition now underway, the goal is simple: to provide better data, sharper insights and a clearer picture of where the industry stands when it comes to its people.
In an industry often dominated by technical benchmarks and market analysis, reliable workforce data is a rare and valuable commodity. Just like supply volumes, raw material pricing or refinery capacity, talent data is essential for strategic decision-making.
How many women are in senior leadership roles? What is the average tenure of a professional in the industry? Are younger professionals entering, or are we seeing a talent drain? These are vital questions that have a direct impact on long-term competitiveness, innovation and sustainability. And yet, answers are often elusive. Much of the data that exists is too broad, outdated or anecdotal to drive meaningful change. That’s where the ABN Resource Talent Survey makes a difference — by collecting focused, relevant and anonymized insights directly from those in the know.