1 Incredibly Boring yet Incredibly Important Number to Watch

Every year, the oil-field services company Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB  ) polls executives in the oil and gas industry and publishes a human resources benchmark survey. The company has said point-blank that given the high demand for skilled employees in the industry and the complicated extraction techniques, human resources is the main driver of production growth right now.

Today, Fool.com contributors Aimee Duffy and Tyler Crowe talk about keeping track of the efforts that the companies you invest in are making to retain top talent, including boosting salaries and creating employee-focused cultures.

National Oilwell Varco is perhaps the safest investment in the energy sector due to its industry-dominating market share. This company is poised to profit in a big way; its customers are both increasing the number of new drilling rigs and updating aging fleets of offshore rigs. To help determine if it could be a good fit for your portfolio, you're invited to check out The Motley Fool's premium research report featuring in-depth analysis on whether NOV is a buy today. For instant access to this valuable investor's resource, simply click here now to claim your copy.