Four reasons why Electricians are leaving their stable jobs?
The realm of electrical work is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by the burgeoning demand for renewable energy, smart infrastructure, intelligent building systems, and electric transportation. This surge in demand underscores the critical necessity for skilled electricians to meet the evolving needs of these burgeoning sectors. Projections indicate a 6 percent growth in electrician employment from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average growth rate across all occupations.
There are not enough Electricians to fill these roles in the United States
Despite an average of approximately 73,500 annual job openings for electricians over the next decade, a troubling issue looms: there are not enough Electricians to fill these roles in the United States. According to data from the National Electrical Contractors Association, while 7,000 new electricians enter the field each year, a staggering 10,000 retire from it, creating a substantial void in the workforce.
This article aims to delve into the motives behind the departure of skilled electricians from the industry.
What's the Role of Electricians?
Electricians are adept tradespersons specializing in the installation, upkeep, and repair of electrical systems.
How Much Do Electricians Earn?
As of May 2023, the median annual wage for electricians stood at $61,590. This median wage signifies the midpoint, where half of electricians earned more than this amount and half earned less. The bottom 10% of electricians earned below $38,470, while the top 10% earned upwards of $104,180.
So, Why Are Electricians leaving?
A multitude of factors could be contributing to their departure. Here are the top four reasons for leaving.
1.Work-life Balance
Insights from Unwrapped: Snappy's 2023 Workforce Study shed light on the evolving preferences of employees. Notably, 21.9 percent expressed a preference for fully remote work, while 30.1 percent favored a hybrid model combining remote work and office presence. Surprisingly, nearly half of Americans—48.1 percent—indicated a desire to work exclusively in-person. These findings underscore a widespread need for flexibility in work arrangements.
However, the demanding nature of the electrical industry often necessitates electricians to work extended hours, weekends, and be on-call for emergencies. While their dedication is commendable, this demanding schedule can strain their personal lives, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Consequently, numerous electricians seek roles offering a more predictable schedule and improved work-life balance.
2. Safety Concerns
Electricians, by the very nature of their work, face an array of hazards and risks. From dealing with high-voltage systems to navigating heights for installations or repairs, the work environment for electricians can be fraught with danger. If they perceive safety measures to be inadequate or encounter recurring unsafe conditions, it can undermine their confidence in their workplace's commitment to their safety. This lack of confidence in safety practices can be a significant factor in their decision to seek alternative employment where safety is given higher priority.
3. Health Considerations
The profession of an electrician is physically demanding and entails working in diverse environments, from indoor settings to outdoor locales such as homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. This often involves travel to various work sites, where electricians may find themselves working in confined spaces, enduring prolonged periods of standing and kneeling, and contending with dirt, dust, debris, or fumes. Additionally, exposure to extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions is common, further exacerbating the physical toll of the profession.
Furthermore, tasks at considerable heights, such as those on construction sites or renewable energy projects, add to the physical demands and potential hazards of the profession, prompting some electricians to explore alternative career paths.
4. Retirement and Aging workforce
Recent data as of May 2023 shed light on shifts within the electrician profession. Notably, approximately 40% of electricians were aged 45 or above, while the median age stood at 39.9 years. This discrepancy suggests a significant portion of experienced electricians are either retiring or contemplating retirement. Such a trend underscores the importance of implementing strategies aimed at attracting fresh talent and ensuring the ongoing vitality and expertise of the electrician workforce for the future.
In Conclusion
The electrical industry faces significant challenges in retaining skilled electricians. Addressing these hurdles necessitates a comprehensive strategy encompassing measures to enhance work-life balance, fortify safety protocols, prioritize worker well-being, and devise strategies for talent attraction and retention. By proactively addressing these areas, the industry can position itself for success in navigating the evolving landscape and ensuring a sustainable, proficient workforce for the future.
Does your organization have a plan to confront these challenges? Connect with our experts at Impel Careers to explore how we can assist you in navigating these issues and tailor solutions to meet your specific needs.
