Data centers are the unsung heroes of our digital world. They keep everything running smoothly — from cloud computing and AI to business apps and personal data storage. These high-tech facilities are packed with servers, networking gear, and storage systems, all working together to handle and deliver data with precision and reliability. With tech advancing at lightning speed, data centers are feeling the heat to keep up and adapt. As data centers play a bigger role in driving technology forward, CIOs and CTOs face major challenges.

Let’s dive into the top four issues impacting data center operations today:

1. An Unprecedented Surge in Demand 

The rise of AI and cloud services has created a huge demand for data center space. As a result, vacancy rates in North American data centers have dropped significantly, indicating that facilities are filling rapidly to keep up with demand. This tightening market adds extra pressure on data centers, making it increasingly challenging to manage operations effectively while addressing growing needs.

Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, According to CBRE

2. Infrastructure Overload and Power Constraints 

Data centers are feeling the strain when it comes to infrastructure, mostly because of power limitations and where they’re located. The huge amount of energy they use is starting to raise red flags with customers, investors, and regulators who want to see less resource consumption. So, companies are now looking into alternative energy sources like fuel cells and renewables.

In Silicon Valley, new data centers can’t open for a decade because the power grid can’t handle it. According to Forbes

Finding enough land for new data centers is also becoming a major headache. In high-demand areas such as Texas, Northern Virginia, and Chicago, there’s simply not enough land available, which is pushing companies to consider locations outside major cities. On top of that, there’s a shortage of skilled workers, making it even harder to scale up operations. To keep things running smoothly and grow effectively, tackling these power and land issues is essential.

3. Technologist Burnout and Fatigue 

Long hours and high stress are taking a serious toll on data center staff, leading to widespread burnout and mistakes. Many workers are clocking in 10-12 hour shifts, and this intense schedule is increasing the chance of errors and outages. Research from Uptime Institute shows that about half of data center operators have faced an outage in the last three years, with human error being a major factor in 67-80% of these incidents. Almost half of the outages were caused by staff not following procedures correctly, often because they were exhausted. To keep things running smoothly and reduce disruptions, it’s crucial to address burnout and avoid shifts longer than 12 hours.

Workplace accidents are 38% more likely in 12-hour shifts due to fatigue. Uptime Institute, 2024

4. The Struggle to Find and Retain Talent

Data centers are feeling the pain when it comes to finding and keeping skilled technologists. According to Forbes, nearly 60% of operators are having a hard time finding qualified candidates, and more than half struggle to hold on to their current staff. This shortage is making the job market highly competitive, and poaching has become a real issue. Many professionals are also looking for companies that align with their values, especially those focused on environmental and community impact. According to Forbes, 40% of companies say rivals are actively recruiting their employees. These staffing problems are leading to more outages and accidents, which can hurt revenue and damage the industry’s reputation. Solving this talent gap is crucial for keeping operations running smoothly and maintaining trust in the field.

A Partnership to Tackle These Challenges

“The data center industry must get creative around recruiting and retaining talent.” Andrew Schaap, Forbes Council Member 

As data centers expand to meet growing demands, finding and keeping skilled staff can be a real challenge. That’s where Per Scholas comes in. We connect you with highly trained technologists ready to tackle these hurdles.

• Overcoming the Talent Shortage. When you partner with us, you get access to top-notch technologists who have completed over 220 hours of specialized training. Our cutting-edge Data Centers curriculum, crafted with industry leaders, equips our trainees with hands-on skills in areas like network cable management, device configuration, and enterprise systems. This robust training ensures that your staff is not only prepared but primed to excel.
• Addressing Retention Issues. Keeping great employees involves more than just offering a competitive salary. We focus on continuous development and fostering an inclusive environment. With over 85% of our technologists being people of color and 40% women, our emphasis on diversity and growth helps build a motivated and engaged workforce. This approach is crucial for retaining talent, especially in a competitive market where poaching is common.
• Preparing Technologists For What’s Next. Our training programs cover every aspect of data center operations. Whether it’s managing enterprise virtualization, operating systems like Linux and Windows, or handling the complexities of power, cooling, and IT systems, our technologists are ready to handle the demands of modern data centers. We also cover safety procedures and compliance, ensuring that your team is well-prepared to manage risks effectively.
• Ready to Solve Your Staffing Challenges? Contact us today to explore how our tailored training solutions can help you build a skilled, committed workforce. Let’s work together to address the challenges of staffing and ensure your data center operations run smoothly and efficiently.