Technology: The need for skilled workers is everywhere but when compared with the “Silicon Valley” corporations, utilities may not offer the glamour and attractiveness the tech educated are looking for.
As an observer, I wonder, do the utilities offer the women and men who would thrive in a flat corporate culture the opportunities for inventiveness and business building that they might find stifled in a hierarchical culture? With technology being key to utility corporations’ ability to provide services to customers and to operate…where are the tech employees to come from? With senior executives leaving in big numbers and not being replaced…and the shift in demos, what’s next? What about the retiring leaders’ intellectual capital, access to communities, and connections….how is that being dealt with?
Change is occurring. As someone once said, “What got us here is not going to get us where we need to go.” Without compassionate change and inclusion, senior employees will leave or be among the “RIP, retired in place”. An option, include them ambassadors and as mentors and sponsors of newcomers. Attract and welcome diverse workforce members with an inclusive culture. Follow the best practices of the progressive power players of the power industry.
With every challenge, there are great opportunities. Matching power industry leaders’ experience, search for meaning, desire to contribute, and ability to connect to the challenge of creating an attractive industry profile and I’m betting it will be a win-win.