As the industry-wide skills shortage continues to cause havoc, data centers need to act quickly
But traditional hiring practices are preventing them from competing in the race to secure the next generation of talent. The need to scale AI infrastructure has created new opportunities for developing and nurturing talent as existing, traditional talent pools were designed for a completely different era, that prioritized different skills, qualifications and experiences.
So, while many are left struggling to hire from these small pockets of existing talent that are becoming increasingly competitive, those leading the way will focus on hiring people with transferable skills, creating a collaborative culture and helping people in the local community where possible.
The future of the industry depends upon whether data centers can establish inclusive and adaptive workforces. This shift cannot be sustained with outdated practices that feature strict criteria and overlook perfectly suitable candidates. Today’s AI workloads and future operations require an entirely new skillset to operate efficiently, and the employers that modernize their workforce now by hiring non-conventional candidates will be better positioned to operate the next generation of data centers.
Hiring outside the box
For the longest time, this industry has maintained an extremely narrow-minded outlook when it comes to hiring talent. However, the growing skills shortage is forcing data center employers to think outside the box.
Non-traditional candidates have qualities which are extremely transferrable to digital and critical infrastructure environments. With many having invaluable experience with composure under pressure, teamwork and adaptability, employers are understanding the benefits of expanding their talent pool.
Here at Salute, we know how impactful this approach can be. Since 2013, we have offered tailored military programs to help veterans access viable careers after they complete their service. Military veterans bring new perspectives and promote resilience, and every candidate brings individual strengths that can help create a workforce able to adapt to and thrive in uncertain and high pressure environments.
Multi-skilled recruitment models help employers hire the right talent through large pools of overlooked candidates. By creating inclusive pathways for skilled professionals, regardless of their background, data centers will be better equipped for future infrastructure and demands.
Expanding the talent pool
Looking beyond conventional candidates provides long-term employment opportunities for people who have been previously excluded from the industry.
When employers make an active effort to expand talent pools, they can boost their operational resilience and help diversify the sector. Non-traditional hiring practices have been shown to improve culture by enhancing the quality of leadership. Due to the competitive nature of the sector, any opportunities that welcome new ideas and frameworks are immensely beneficial for standing out in crowded markets
Inclusive hiring models support local economies and help data centers sustain strong community relationships. A lot of adaptable professionals, with transferrable skills are overlooked when it comes to hiring for this upcoming generation of data centers. For example, candidates with military backgrounds and those with experience in complex workspaces are extremely compatible with mission-critical infrastructure environments.
It is more important than ever to create pathways that support skilled candidates, helping them transfer their skills to support a sector clearly struggling to acquire and retain talent.
A strong culture starts with the workforce
Inclusive and diverse hiring help establish strong, productive and respectful work cultures, where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute confidently, which inevitably promotes retention.
Candidates from non-traditional backgrounds like the military innately have the skills and characteristics that mission-critical environments need. By creating inclusive pathways and cultures and looking beyond traditional talent pools, data center employers can establish a robust workforce, which supports the local community and underserved candidates.