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Q & A - Problems & Solutions for Utilities |
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Q: What are the problems and solutions?
A: These are identified in the table that follows. The first issue, an Aging Workforce (column 1), will create a number of problems for your utility (column 2), but there are a number of solutions to the problems (column 3). The solutions in column 3 are included in the programs Workforce Change delivers to community owned utilities.
| Aging Workforce |
Problems |
Solutions |
| Aging Baby Boomers |
Leadership changes
Need for succession plan
Political impact
Turnover issues
Workforce development needs
Insufficient replacement workers
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Development of next generation leaders
Succession strategy
Knowledge capture and retention
Mentoring program opportunities
Career development planning
Recruiting & retention strategies
Collaboration and partnering competencies
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| Gen X & Gen Y |
Different world views, values
Retention issues
Utility work not “sexy” career path
Employee development needs
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Coaching and mentoring skills
Manager coaching skills training
Performance improvement feedback skills
Recruiting strategies with targeted ‘career’ messages
Career partner programs with schools, businesses
Developing generational synergies/teamwork
Creating the culture that holds on tight to its talent (an employer of choice)
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Global economy,
Conceptual economy |
Customer savvy and demands for services, programs
Need for ideas, creativity, innovation, customer attention
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Marketing strategies matched to customer-stakeholders
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Is there a place for
community-owned and/or
member-owned utilities? |
Leadership awareness of all options
Need for community support and advocacy
Need for community education
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Facilitated strategy session for short- and long-term direction (why do a 20-year power supply plan if you don’t have the skilled workeforce to run the system? Or, a plan to have that workforce?)
Community/Member education programs, townhall meetings, diverse utility leadership and involvement
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