The data center industry is facing a labor shortage, making it challenging for companies to keep up with the growing demand for digital infrastructure. As the industry continues to expand, businesses are searching for effective strategies to attract and retain top talent.  

In this article we look at five key solutions that can help address the talent gap in the data center sector.    

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Contents

1. Offer better employee benefits
2. Use data center recruitment solutions
3. Upskill current workers
4. Invest in young talent
5. Explore talent in adjacent industries

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1. Offer better employee benefits 

With a reduced talent pool of skilled labor, one way that employers can make themselves more attractive to data center professionals is by providing more attractive compensation and benefits packages to workers. 

In our 2024 Data Center Salary Survey, 48% of respondents indicated that they were unsatisfied with, or felt neutrally towards, their current benefits package, and 23% indicated that their current compensation package was less competitive than other industries they had worked in.  

Respondents were asked to add any benefits that they didn’t currently receive but would like to. Some of the most common benefits requested were healthcare and a travel allowance.  

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2. Use data center recruitment solutions

Specialized data center recruitment agencies play a vital role in helping data center companies connect with top talent. Given the niche expertise required in this industry, partnering with recruitment firms that focus specifically on data center jobs can streamline the hiring process and increase the likelihood of finding qualified candidates. 

By leveraging specialized data center recruitment services, companies can gain access to a broader network of skilled professionals who understand the complexities of data center operations. 

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3. Upskill current workers  

One of the most effective ways to solve a labor shortage is to upskill current employees. Investing in training programs that enhance employees’ existing skill sets can provide a mutually beneficial solution. Employees gain valuable expertise and career growth, while data center companies retain experienced workers without the time and costs associated with external recruitment. 

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, businesses can ensure they have the talent needed to meet evolving demands while maximizing their existing resources.  

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4. Invest in young talent  

To build a sustainable pipeline of skilled labor, data center companies need to engage and inspire young people early on. Developing initiatives such as workshops, careers events, and apprenticeship programmes for students in secondary education and universities can help showcase the opportunities within the data center industry.  

Graduates with STEM backgrounds are highly sought after, but the industry must also focus on raising awareness about the diverse career paths available within data centers. Initiatives like the Digital Futures Programme and mentorship schemes can help promote the sector to underrepresented groups, including women in tech, and create a more inclusive workforce. 

Steve Hayward, Senior Director of European Operations at CyrusOne, highlights the importance of promoting the industry: “The industry has a vital role to play in engaging students and raising awareness of all the exciting career paths in STEM, from creating mentorship programs to supporting women in a male-dominated field.” 

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5. Explore talent in adjacent industries 

A mindset shift is needed to identify candidates from adjacent industries with transferable skills. Key competencies such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and technical expertise can be found in adjacent sectors. By rethinking traditional candidate criteria and broadening the selection pool, companies can tap into a wider range of skilled professionals. 

Hayward adds, “It is essential that the data center industry identifies the key generic skills required for exceptional engineers, such as being solutions-oriented and having strong problem identification abilities. These skillsets are not unique to our industry and can be found in professionals from various sectors.” 

Enhancing transparency about what day-to-day life in the data center industry looks like can help demystify the sector. By sharing real-world stories and case studies, companies can improve public perception and attract new talent who might not have previously considered a career in this field.  

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By adopting these strategies, the data center industry can overcome its labor shortage and position itself for continued growth. Offering better benefits, leveraging the expertise of data center recruitment companies, upskilling employees, engaging young talent, and exploring adjacent industries are all vital steps to ensuring a robust and capable workforce for the future. 

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