Data centers rely on skilled workers across more than just IT. As AI and other energy-intensive workloads grow, operators increasingly need electrical engineers, HVAC technicians, security specialists, and construction professionals. Identifying skills gaps and preparing for them can help keep facilities reliable and ready for changing demands.
Bringing IT and Facilities Teams Together
Data centers contain equipment and physical infrastructure that require expertise from electricians, HVAC specialists, security professionals, construction workers, and IT staff. Traditionally, facilities teams managed much of the physical environment, including heating and cooling, while IT managers focused on computing systems.
That division is becoming less distinct. Energy efficiency and sustainability goals, rising demand from AI workloads, and expansion into edge and remote locations have brought IT operations and facilities management closer together. Both teams now share responsibility for data center performance.
Workforce Pressures
Labor shortages are especially apparent in the installation and maintenance of electrical, cooling, and battery systems, as well as in construction work needed to adapt facilities.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that electrician employment will grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. The construction industry also faces substantial hiring needs: in 2025, an industry estimate said it would need to attract 439,000 net new workers to meet expected demand. HVAC shortages are contributing to higher costs and longer waits for service.
Steps Data Center Managers Can Take
Managers can help address staffing constraints and protect facility reliability by coordinating teams, planning maintenance, and using technology to monitor operations.
Coordinate IT and Facilities Teams
IT and facilities staff should work together on planning, budgeting, and operational support for the entire data center. A shared approach helps ensure that both computing assets and facility infrastructure receive coordinated attention.
Arrange Contractor Agreements in Advance
Rather than searching for help after a problem occurs, managers can establish service agreements with local contractors ahead of time. Early arrangements can support preventive work and create a relationship to rely on when urgent assistance is needed.
Maintain Equipment and Cross-Train Staff
Routine health checks can include inspecting UPS systems and switchgear, monitoring energy use, checking physical security, listening for unusual noise or vibration, and replacing filters. IT operations staff can be cross-trained to carry out some of these tasks as part of scheduled maintenance, much like the regular checks they perform on servers and storage systems.
Use Sensors and Remote Monitoring
Sensors and remote monitoring tools can track conditions such as temperature, humidity, energy use, cooling performance, and physical security. They can be deployed at central facilities and remote edge sites, sending automated alerts and health information to staff as part of their maintenance routines.
Standardize Equipment
Using fewer brands and configurations can make equipment easier for both IT and facilities teams to maintain.
Consider Cloud-Based Services
When shortages limit access to HVAC, electrical, and construction professionals, organizations may choose to move more IT assets to cloud providers. Larger providers may be better positioned to secure the facility staff and services their customers need.
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