PurposeThe power sector organizations are transforming swiftly with technological advancements and competition in the market. The present study aims to validate the determinants of employee resilience in hydropower organizations.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative, cross-sectional research approach was used to conduct the study. The information was collected through a structured questionnaire from 853 employees working in 30 hydropower plants in North India. The PLS-SEM technique used to validate the extracted factors' structure.FindingsThe study validated determinants of employee resilience: self-management, flexibility and proactiveness, interactive, vision, relationships and problem-solving skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of employee resilience as a strategic tool to diffuse rapid work and environmental changes is validated in select hydropower plants.Originality/valueThe research is original and conducted in the hydropower sector to explore the concept of employee resilience.