Enhancing human resources for a more sustainable future

Isabella Gastaldello, People & Organization Director at EF Solare discusses Lifelong Learning, Diversity and Inclusion, and energizing the future of HR

The HR sector is changing rapidly to meet new market needs. What are the goals your team will face? What are the most sought-after roles?
The Human Resources sector has long been undergoing an evolutionary process from a Support Function to a Strategic Business Partner. This shift is happening in response to new labor market demands, technological changes, and the growing importance of organizational well-being.
There are several objectives that the HR role within organizations will need to tackle in the coming years. Firstly, continuing the digitalization and automation process to make human resources management more efficient by introducing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
It is also important to work on lifelong learning to continuously align the organization’s skills with the rapid market changes. Processes of upskilling and reskilling distinctive competencies will need to be introduced, as skills acquired just three years ago are often already obsolete today.
Becoming a “talent magnet” will be crucial to attracting and retaining talent in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced labor market. Furthermore, integrating sustainability into corporate policies and people management is becoming more important, aligning company values with social responsibility goals. Promoting inclusive work environments, where diversity is celebrated and adds value, is also necessary.

The annual team-building event recently ended, during which the results of the “Energy for the Future” project, dedicated to regenerating EF Solare Italia’s value proposition, were presented. Can you tell us more about this important initiative?
The “Energy for the Future” project aimed to rediscover, strengthen, and revitalize the corporate identity through the definition of a Value Proposition, articulated through a series of key elements, that would address what EF Solare Italia can and wants to represent with respect to future prospects, in line with the objectives from the Strategic Plan.
The initiative was directed at all personnel. Through interviews with the leadership team, a survey of all employees, and the creation of a Team Identity Project, we were able to define our model in terms of competitive environment, value chain, and vision for the business of the future. Starting from our roots, we identified the distinctive elements, stakeholders, and priorities that move the company towards the future.
From this, our DNA emerged – our value system that identifies and guides our actions.
EF Solare Italia’s core values are:
• Sustainability: we act to protect and enhance the environment.
• Attention to people: people and communities are our greatest resource.
• Competence: it is essential to continue innovating and leading the market.
• Integrity: we always operate with loyalty, fairness, and transparency.

What other initiatives have you launched during your first months at EF Solare that are particularly important to you?
Since joining six months ago, I have launched nine new projects. Starting with the flagship “Energy for the Future” project, I have defined a consistent thread aligned with our values and everything that is important to us.
I would like to highlight:

• School-Business Project: through this project, EF Solare further strengthens its commitment to educating new generations and engaging with local communities. We provide technical high schools with the company’s expertise and knowledge, fostering fruitful dialogue with the regions where we operate (Sicily, Campania, and Puglia).
• Good Habitz Project: this involves the implementation of a cross-functional training platform accessible 24/7 from any device. It offers 120 courses and content in 22 languages. Training paths include Leadership, Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, productivity, time management, and much more.
• Foorban: to promote our green soul through attention to the health of our employees, we encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle starting with proper nutrition. Foorban is an efficient and convenient solution, with 100% recyclable packaging! With this solution, we are also committed to fighting waste: everything near its expiration date is donated to food banks or recovered by “Too Good to Go.”

What advice would you give to those looking to pursue a career in the renewable energy sector, particularly at EF Solare?
It is important to focus on technical and specialized skills, starting with a solid university background in fields such as energy engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or environmental sciences. This should then be deepened with specific courses on renewable energy, photovoltaics, energy storage, and environmental management. One must also acquire specific skills in the tools and technologies used in the sector (e.g., SCADA) and stay updated on regulations and market trends.
Developing a flexible mindset is essential, as renewable energy is a constantly evolving field, and a problem-solving approach is necessary since technical and operational challenges are part of daily work. Being able to address complex issues and find efficient, innovative solutions is highly valued at EF Solare and within the renewable energy sector in general.
Teamwork is crucial: EF Solare, like other companies in the renewable energy sector, often works on multidisciplinary projects. Collaborating with experts from different areas (finance, engineering, environmental management, legal) is fundamental.
In short, to join the EF Solare team, a mix of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a desire to innovate and continuously learn is essential, along with a passion for sustainability. The combination of these qualities will enable future employees to face industry challenges and actively contribute to the energy transition.