AWWA JAW68588

Large numbers of drinking water utility workers areleaving the workforce, as they retire or leave to seekopportunities elsewhere. Unfortunately, a utility's mostvaluable knowledge is likely not written down nor is itreadily learned by new workers in a written form.Utilities need a blended approach, from structureddocument repositories to learning and training on theorganization's best practices, in order to successfullyretain valuable knowledge.The article presents information from an AwwaResearch Foundation research project on retaining thisvaluable knowledge. Utilities that successfully addressthe need for knowledge retention will be better-equippedto cope with the challenges ahead - increasinglysophisticated technology, stringent regulations,higher customer expectations, aging infrastructure,technology pressures, security concerns, economicconstraints, and more. With all of the other initiatives,special projects, and day-to-day issues facing utilityleaders, a program with long-term and sometimeshidden payback like knowledge retention is a key areathat utility leaders must focus on. Includes 7 references, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 100 - No. 8

Published:

08/01/2008

Number of Pages:

5

File Size:

1 file , 480 KB