Shell is a global energy and petrochemical company headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, operating across oil and gas exploration, refining, lubricants, chemicals and increasingly in low-carbon energy solutions like renewables and electric vehicle...
People who have worked here often describe a mixed but generally positive experience. You will hear colleagues say they appreciate the technical challenges and global exposure. A mid-career engineer shared, “You learn a lot fast — the projects are large and impactful.” A recent hire said, “The onboarding was helpful and my team is friendly, but it can be bureaucratic.” Many employees highlight strong safety culture and pride in working on projects that move the energy transition forward. There are also comments about occasional slow decision-making and the need to navigate a big organization.
The company culture at Shell leans toward professional, safety-first, and results-driven. There is a strong emphasis on operational excellence, compliance, and diversity in teams across locations. You will find pockets of innovative, mission-focused teams working on cleaner energy and digital transformation. At the same time, traditional oil and gas operations still drive much of the day-to-day rhythm. If you care about learning from experienced experts and contributing to large-scale projects, you will likely fit in. If you prefer a very flat startup vibe, you may find it more structured than expected.
Work-life balance at Shell varies by role and location. Corporate and office roles often offer flexible schedules and hybrid arrangements, while site and operations roles require shift work or on-call availability. Many employees say that they are able to manage personal commitments, but periods of heavy workload and project deadlines can demand longer hours. Overall, work-life balance at Shell is reasonable for corporate roles and more demanding for operations and field positions.
Job security is influenced by market cycles. In stable oil-price periods, there will be steady hiring and project continuity. During downturns, the organization has made cost reductions and restructuring moves. Employees in specialized technical roles and those with transferable skills are more likely to maintain stability. There is an emphasis on redeployment and internal mobility where possible, but there will be times when layoffs occur in response to market pressures.
Leadership tends to be experienced and global in outlook. Senior leaders often set clear strategic objectives, and there is a focus on safety, sustainability, and shareholder value. Management layers can be numerous, which will sometimes slow decision-making. Communication from the top is generally formal and structured. Leaders are visible on major initiatives, and there is support for long-term projects and career development.
Manager experiences differ significantly by team. Many managers are praised for mentorship, technical guidance, and career support. Others are critiqued for prioritizing short-term targets over team wellbeing. Performance reviews are structured and tied to clear KPIs, which will help if you like measurable goals. If you join, it is helpful to find a manager who aligns with your career aspirations and work style.
There will be ample learning opportunities, both formal and informal. The company invests in training programs, certifications, and leadership courses. Technical staff will have access to industry-specific training and on-the-job learning through complex projects. Internal mobility and global assignments are encouraged as ways to broaden experience. The learning culture supports career growth, particularly for those who proactively seek development.
Promotion pathways are defined but competitive. There will be clear criteria for progression and you will be assessed on performance, capability development, and potential. Promotions often require demonstrating impact across projects and leadership potential. For ambitious employees, there are opportunities to move laterally or internationally to accelerate advancement.
Salary ranges vary by geography and role. Typical ranges in corporate hubs:
Bonus schemes are performance-based and linked to both individual and company performance. There will be annual bonuses, long-term incentive plans, and share-based awards for eligible employees. Incentives are structured to align employee goals with business outcomes and to retain key talent over the long term.
Health and insurance benefits are comprehensive in most locations. Standard offerings will include medical, dental, and wellness programs. For expatriate and site staff, there will be enhanced coverage and travel health support. Retirement plans and life insurance are commonly part of the package. Benefits will vary by country and employment level.
There will be regular engagement activities, including town halls, team events, and recognition programs. Many locations host community outreach and sustainability events that employees can join. Employee resource groups and networks are active and provide social and professional connections across the company.
Remote work support is robust for office-based roles. There will be tools for collaboration, virtual meeting norms, and policies supporting hybrid work where feasible. For operational and field roles, remote work is limited by the nature of the work. The company provides IT and home-office support to facilitate remote productivity.
Average working hours depend on role type. Office roles commonly average around 40–45 hours per week, with occasional longer weeks during peak periods. Operations and field roles often involve shift patterns and extended on-site rotations. Overtime will be compensated or managed according to local regulations.
Attrition is moderate and follows industry cycles. Layoffs have occurred in response to downturns in the past, including periods when oil prices collapsed. The company will often pursue cost-saving measures and restructuring during such times. Internal redeployment and reskilling programs try to reduce involuntary separations where possible.
Overall, this company offers strong technical work, competitive compensation, and solid benefits, combined with opportunities for global exposure and development. There will be trade-offs: the organization is large and sometimes bureaucratic, and job security is tied to commodity cycles. For those seeking stable career progression, professional learning, and a focus on safety and sustainability, this company will be an attractive employer. On balance, it is a reliable choice for many career paths in energy and related fields.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at Shell
Cutting-edge R&D, collaborative teams, competitive compensation
Timesheets and admin tasks can be tedious
Supportive team and flexible working hours
Large company politics and slow internal hiring approvals
Excellent mentorship, international projects and strong safety culture
Slow corporate decision-making sometimes
Good brand recognition, steady hours
Low pay for retail staff, long shifts and high pressure to meet targets
Remote-first setup, good pay, interesting cloud projects
Bureaucracy around procurement slows things down; promotion path not always clear.
Strong compliance focus and good training programs
Heavy workload during reporting periods; slow promotion cycles
