A universal conversation is taking place in businesses across all industries about how to combat an unprecedented talent shortage. The COVID-19 pandemic initiated record-breaking numbers of individuals quitting their jobs, which is being referred to as The Great Resignation or, less commonly, The Great Reevaluation. This mass departure, paired with the anticipated influx in retirement numbers, is continuing to shrink today’s already strained talent pool, putting increased pressure on data centers and leaving enterprises of all sizes scrambling to recruit, upskill, and retain the best employees.
According to an Uptime Institute report, keeping the world's data centers operational will require the industry to add at least 300,000 skilled workers by 2025 — the equivalent of half the population of Portland, Oregon. Employees are reevaluating what is most important to them when it comes to work, life, and the balance of both. A surplus of open positions waiting to be filled leaves job seekers with ample opportunity to renegotiate with their current employers or make the decision to make a career change.