The success of a modern electricity operation is not only dependent on physical components and the security of the facility, but also on the capabilities of the people involved in running the operation: their skills and commitment to the organization.
Electricity production plants are large, complex structures requiring a diverse range of highly skilled people to run them efficiently. Commissioning an electricity power station that has been built to last for decades involves substantial capital outlay and ongoing maintenance expenses. Once the building phase is over, the plant must run smoothly with the right personnel and a strict maintenance regime in place.
The people who are involved in the management and day-to-day operation of the plant need to be reliable and dedicated to their jobs, as without this kind of commitment, the plant will be placed at risk.
Industrial growth and human capital
The technical components of an electricity plant are numerous and diverse, requiring skilled personnel such as mechanical, electrical and industrial engineers; digital and electronics experts; and data scientists. The organization also needs strong management in all areas of the technical, financial and safety operations. A lack of competence in any of these areas could compromise the entire operation.
Companies invest large amounts of capital in the training of their personnel. Often, there is an agreed period of time that an employee agrees to stay employed in lieu of the time and money that goes into their training. However, once trained, employees will often leave the company to seek out greener pastures. The reasons are many: a better pay package, better working conditions, or the prospect of promotion.
How to avoid company brain drain
Besides the time and money invested in training staff, probably the most valuable motivation for retaining skilled personnel is continuity. Long-term employees have spent years getting to know the operations, the management style, the company policies, and the people. They get to know the systems and can identify possible weaknesses, preempting breakdowns or system failures before they arise.
This kind of experience is invaluable in an institution that provides an essential service to a large part of the population.
How, then, can organizations such as electric power stations convince their staff that it is in their best interest to stay with the company?
Training
Instead of providing generic training for staff, on-site training is preferable for employees to get hands-on experience in their own working environment and learn about the particular intricacies of their site. This method of training is also more likely to instill a sense of responsibility and pride in their company.
Companies can consider investing in the permanent employment of in-house trainers who will get to know the environment and the people and ensure ongoing education and refresher courses where necessary.
Incentives
When staff are secure in the knowledge that there is a structured pathway to promotion, they are less likely to look around to improve their situation. Companies can also consider implementing an incentive-based remuneration scheme that rewards employees for initiative and innovative thinking.
Mentoring and succession planning
Besides transferring essential knowledge, mentors can also be instrumental in instilling pride in their colleagues and in building stronger interpersonal relationships. Succession planning is also an essential part of skills management, ensuring there is no disruption in operations in cases of illness or annual leave.
The economy of the country
Besides providing power to people in specific regions, a successfully run power utility provides employment opportunities for many. In turn, the economy of the country benefits, both directly as a result of the corporation’s endeavors and indirectly as power enables the people of the country to prosper in their businesses and their everyday lives.
Dr Ehsan Bayat, the founder of the Bayat Group of Companies, is an entrepreneur with a vision that includes providing the people of Afghanistan with the necessary infrastructure and services for survival and growth. Bayat Power is an organization dedicated to bringing essential power to Afghanistan, as well as uplifting the country’s economy and its people.
Strategy for future industrial growth and security
Uninterrupted supply of power to a nation is critical, and any disruption of this service places the country’s security, people and economy at risk.
Key to the successful and uninterrupted running of such a large operation is its people. It is therefore imperative that top management has a strategy in place for employing the right people, keeping them happy, and making sure that they have the opportunity to continue learning and improving their skills in line with technological developments.
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