Industry Spotlight: Powering the Energy & Utilities Workforce of the Future

The energy and utilities industry is at a crossroads. Between a surge in energy demand driven by AI and data centers, the increasing threat of climate change, and an aging workforce that's retiring faster than it can be replaced, the sector faces a whole host of challenges. 

And for a field that employs over 69 million people worldwide, the stakes are high. Power outages are costly and dangerous, and the industry faces intense pressure to maintain reliable service while simultaneously undergoing a massive infrastructure transformation. 

That's why our new guide, Powering the Energy and Utilities Workforce of the Future, is so timely. 

It's not just a summary of the sector's problems, but a crucial roadmap for energy and utilities companies determined to build a resilient, skilled workforce capable of ushering in the clean energy future.

"Brain drain" and poor comms

Challenges for the energy and utilities industry are compounded by a critical talent crisis: nearly half of all utility workers are expected to retire within the next decade. This "brain drain" is stripping the industry of irreplaceable institutional knowledge about complex systems, leaving younger workers without the necessary guidance and mentorship. 

Furthermore, the transition to smart grid technologies, renewable integration, and digital monitoring requires workers with specialized knowledge that the current workforce often lacks. Add to this the significant communication challenges that plague a distributed workforce, which are directly contributing to high injury rates and prolonged power disruptions, and it becomes clear that utilities companies need a fundamental change in strategy. 

We believe that the overlooked solution to retaining knowledge, attracting talent, and maintaining grid reliability is to prioritize the employee experience.

What you'll find inside

Our guide dives deep into the biggest challenges facing the sector, providing specific data points on the "Boomer bust", the struggle to keep up with new technology, and the complexity of managing old and new infrastructure simultaneously.

Most importantly, we propose a four-point solution for building a culture of progress and sustainability:

• Enhance communication practices and capabilities: Learn how to deploy real-time safety alert systems and structured shift handoff protocols to ensure critical information reaches remote or difficult-to-contact workers.
• Elevate education: Discover actionable steps for capturing and sharing institutional knowledge before retiring workers take it with them. This includes establishing formal mentorship programs and building digital knowledge repositories using video training libraries and interactive simulations.
• Modernize technology stacks: Understand why utilities must showcase cutting-edge systems – like smart grid controls and IoT monitoring networks – to attract innovative young engineers and developers, and how implementing mobile employee experience platforms can increase safety and engagement.
• Spark engagement: Find out how to connect workers to the meaningful impact of their jobs, highlighting their vital role in society and the exciting transformations happening in the energy sector to improve retention.

Powering up employee experiences

By investing in technologies that prioritize communication, safety, and continuous learning, you can create a connected, engaging work environment where every employee feels valued and empowered.

Download Powering the Energy and Utilities Workforce of the Future today to learn how to build the resilient, loyal workforce that will light the way toward a better future.