A survey by Microsoft and Accenture showed that Oil and gas professionals are using social media tools into their daily work on a more regular basis than they did last year.
The survey of 205 professionals within international, national and independent oil- and gas-related companies found that nearly three-fourths (74 per cent) are using social media for business collaboration - a significant increase over last year's survey responses (62 per cent).
Public instant-messaging tools are used the most for business collaboration (38 per cent, an 11 percent increase over last year), followed by internal company social networks (33 per cent, a 17 per cent increase over last year).
"The survey results show the industry's recognition of the strategic benefits in utilising IT solutions such as cloud computing, enabling easier accessibility to data and knowledge sharing within a security-enhanced environment," said Brian Miller, senior executive in the energy industry group at Accenture.
Overall, professionals are working together more than ever, with 34 per cent reporting that they are collaborating more this year than in the previous year.
This trend is anticipated to grow in coming years, primarily because of the aging oil and gas industry work force that must prepare its younger generation to take on leadership roles.
"As the industry continues to expand globally with workers dispersed across multiple regions, oil and gas companies are challenged to find new, innovative ways to help employees collaborate and share information remotely, in a security-enhanced manner," said Craig Hodges, general manager of U.S. Manufacturing and Resources at Microsoft.
