Renewables workforce happier than before thanks to digitization

U.S. Solar

Automation and digitization are not just reshaping but revitalizing renewables workforces, says the latest Global Energy Talent Index (GETI).

The report was prepared by Airswift, the global workforce solutions provider for the energy, process and infrastructure sectors, and Energy Jobline, a global jobsite for the energy and engineering industries.

As per the report, renewables professionals are some of the happiest in the industry, with 43 percent of respondents reporting that their work lives are happier than they were three years ago.

Digitalisation is playing a huge role in this increased happiness, with the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology (40 percent of respondents) and flexible and remote working (36 per cent) contributing to contentment.

The flexible working pattern is widely cited as a positive by younger professionals.

Janette Marx, chief operating officer at Airswift, says, “Four-in-five respondents told us that digitalisation is having a positive impact on the sector, with increased efficiency and productivity at the forefront of their minds, although some expressed concern that it could reduce the importance of human judgment. Now, renewables firms should reassure the workforce that technology enhances, not replaces, human decision-making.”

Other key findings within renewables employment sector include the following:

  • Pay in the renewables sector is on the rise, albeit slowly. Forty-five percent of professionals reported that their pay had risen in the last year, against another 45 percent who said that their compensation had remained the same
  • The sector remains optimistic. Two-thirds of workers anticipate an increase in compensation over the next year and 28 percent expect pay to rise by at least 5 per cent, a figure that outpaces every other sector except power
  • Forty-three percent of renewables professionals would consider a switch to another sector, with oil and gas (11 percent) the most popular alternative

Hannah Peet, managing director at Energy Jobline, says, “Competition for energy talent is fierce, both within sectors and between them. As the oil price recovers, there is a danger that renewables workers look to a sector known for its healthy pay packets and that offers its own opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology.”

The report also suggests companies should adopt measures like flexible and remote working to send a message that they are truly committed to providing a better work-life balance for parents and others – and can help foster a diverse workforce that improves the bottom line.

Rajani Baburajan

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