The Workforce Risks in Data Centres—and How to Solve Them
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by Mark Prizeman
Data Centre Guidance
Data centres are the backbone of the digital world, providing the critical infrastructure that powers cloud computing, AI-driven applications, and enterprise IT systems. However, despite their technological sophistication, they are only as resilient as the workforce managing their mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems. Workforce-related risks, such as skill shortages, equipment maintenance failures, and burnout among technicians, can lead to costly downtime and operational inefficiencies.
In my experience, workforce challenges in the M&E aspects of data centres are often underestimated, but they pose some of the biggest risks to operational continuity.
Key Workforce Challenges in Data Centre Risk Management
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Shortage of Skilled Mechanical & Electrical Technicians
Data centres require highly skilled professionals to manage and maintain critical infrastructure, including HVAC systems, UPS systems, power distribution units (PDUs), and backup generators. However, there is a growing shortage of experienced M&E technicians in the industry.
Challenges:
- Declining interest in skilled trades, leading to fewer new professionals entering the field.
- Increased competition for experienced electrical and mechanical engineers.
- Complexity of data centre infrastructure requiring specialised training.
Solutions:
- Partnering with trade schools and apprenticeship programs to develop a pipeline of skilled technicians.
- Providing in-house training and certifications for employees.
- Cross-training IT staff on basic mechanical and electrical system operations.
Currently in Ireland, it is no secret that there is a talent shortage across the industry. With a significant skills gap across the board the industry is facing issues such as inflated wages with experienced engineers being compared to hen’s teeth! There needs to be significant investment at graduate level not only in having the opportunities for training and developing new talent but also in educating the younger generations on the exciting and lucrative career opportunities that the industry can provide.
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Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Reliability Issues
Failure of mechanical and electrical systems can cause catastrophic downtime in a data centre. Preventive maintenance is critical, yet many organisations struggle with resource constraints and scheduling conflicts.
Challenges:
- Insufficient maintenance staff leading to delayed servicing.
- Over-reliance on reactive maintenance instead of preventive strategies.
- Aging infrastructure requiring more frequent interventions.
Solutions:
- Implementing predictive maintenance using IoT sensors and analytics.
- Establishing robust preventive maintenance schedules with skilled teams.
- Increasing automation in system monitoring to reduce human workload.
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Employee Burnout & High Turnover in M&E Roles
Working in a data centre’s mechanical and electrical environment can be physically and mentally demanding. Long hours, on-call requirements, and emergency situations contribute to burnout and high turnover. For such a critical environment, data centres need everyone firing on all cylinders.
With such an emphasis on preventative maintenance for its systems, this can only be done if the technicians and engineers responsible for this are at optimum working levels themselves. This means prioritising your employees well being and health, being aware of the impact long shifts along with overloading teams can have on performance and eventually cause problems down the line not only to your systems but to your attrition levels.
Challenges:
- 24/7 operations requiring constant availability.
- High-pressure environments with little room for error.
- Lack of career development opportunities leading to employee attrition.
Solutions:
- Implementing shift rotations to balance workloads.
- Enhancing employee wellness programs, including mental health support.
- Offering career progression pathways, such as advanced technical certifications and leadership roles.
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Knowledge Transfer and Aging Workforce Issues
Many senior-level M&E professionals are approaching retirement, and their decades of expertise are not always effectively transferred to the next generation. Again the points made previously regarding the investment in our younger generations and workforce are critical. There is currently huge knowledge of the industry in Ireland, this doesn’t need to be confirmed and it is clearly seen as Irish companies are spearheading so many projects around Europe. It is crucial this knowledge isn’t lost and that there are strong mentorship programmes in place for future leaders within the industry.
One such programme I am fortunate enough to be on is the Digital Infrastructure Ireland “Emerging Leaders” which is its second cohort and another planned for this year. These sort of initiatives will be crucial for preparing the next generation of leaders for the future of the industry.
Challenges:
- Risk of losing critical institutional knowledge.
- Lack of structured training for junior technicians.
- Limited documentation of troubleshooting procedures for legacy equipment.
Solutions:
- Establishing mentorship and apprenticeship programs.
- Documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
- Encouraging continuous education through technical workshops and training.
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Power & Cooling System Failures Due to Human Error
A single mistake in operating mechanical and electrical systems can result in a major outage, overheating, or power loss. Again, the amount of human error that needs to be dealt with can be significantly reduced when having good structures in place for employees and proactively working against burnout!
Challenges:
- Insufficient hands-on training for technicians handling critical infrastructure.
- Poorly documented emergency response procedures.
- Lack of standardisation in maintenance processes across facilities.
Solutions:
- Conducting rigorous hands-on training for power and cooling system management.
- Implementing clear and accessible emergency response protocols.
- Using digital twins and simulations to train staff on potential failure scenarios.
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Compliance and Safety Training Gaps
Regulatory compliance and workplace safety are critical in data centres, especially for technicians handling high-voltage electrical systems and cooling units with hazardous refrigerants.
Challenges:
- Keeping up with evolving industry standards.
- Employees unaware of safety protocols for electrical and mechanical systems.
- Inconsistent enforcement of safety policies across multiple sites.
Solutions:
- Conducting mandatory safety training and regular refresher courses.
- Implementing strict PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) policies.
- Hiring dedicated compliance officers to oversee regulatory adherence.
Workforce challenges in the mechanical and electrical management of data centres are significant but manageable. By addressing skill shortages, improving preventive maintenance, reducing burnout, and enhancing safety protocols, data centre operators can ensure long-term operational resilience.
By implementing a Contingency Staffing Plan, you can also stay on top of unexpected workforce shortages due to illness, resignations, or external disruptions that can slow down operations.
Partnering with a recruitment agency to establish a contingency staffing pool ensures you have a pre-qualified pipeline of talent ready to step in when needed. Access to experienced contractors helps maintain business continuity during high-pressure situations. As a specialised agency, we proactively engage with and shortlist top talent across various data centre roles, allowing us to respond swiftly to sudden hiring needs and deliver the right people at the right time.
As data centres continue to expand, investing in M&E workforce development will be critical to maintaining uptime and efficiency.
If you’re looking to work in this space, head over to our careers page (you can also refer someone in if you know they’re looking for a role), or if you’re looking to hire in this space, please get in touch with us and we would be happy to get the ball rolling.
