Why Are IT Professionals Looking to Change Jobs?

With low unemployment, especially amongst IT professionals, it is no surprise that more employees may be interested in new opportunities. Today’s job market puts the power in the job seeker’s hands. But what are the primary factors that have tech workers looking for greener pastures? Here are just some of the draws found in the industry today.
 

Why Are IT Professionals Looking to Change Jobs?

Skill Advancement

Whether through formal educational opportunities or informal on-the-job training options, being able to learn new skills or develop current ones appeal to professionals working in the IT field. Not only do new skills provide opportunities for advancement, they also keep the work interesting. And, when it comes to the best and brightest, being engaged is critical to job satisfaction.

Salary and Benefits

When push comes to shove, compensation is always a factor. If their current employer isn’t offering a competitive salary for the work, then competitor offers are harder to ignore. Every business needs to compare their current compensation packages to those being provided by other companies in the area. And, if yours doesn’t measure up, it may be time to make some changes.

Prioritizing IT

IT professionals used to be portrayed as basement dwellers who garnered little respect. With that image comes challenges when it comes to management fully understanding what is needed to meet IT goals. Often, discussing IT needs with those who aren’t as familiar with the terminology is difficult. It is even more challenging when the results of technical projects are hard to see. But failing to provide a sufficient budget for the tasks at hand make the work more difficult than necessary. And professionals who feel their hands are being tied by a lack of respect from business leaders may seek out employment opportunities elsewhere.

Burnout and Engagement

Once burnout sets in, it is hard to see a solution within your current workplace. Often, that leads professionals to look for new opportunities with other organizations that might reignite their passion for the work. However, companies can lessen the chance of burnout amongst their IT professionals by ensuring they remain engaged and challenged. Being able to learn new skills, work on interesting projects, and engage with talented co-workers can help prevent burnout before it becomes an issue.

Work-Life Balance

Whether it involves limiting required overtime or offering flexible scheduling options, work-life balance is a priority for many working in the IT field. Non-traditional work hours and the option to work remotely (whether from home or elsewhere) are becoming more common within the business landscape. And failing to offer these options to employees may lead them to look for positions that do.

Job Titles

It may be surprising to find out that a job title can be a reason for accepting a new job. But the title associated with a position can be a powerful incentive. They provide a snapshot of the level of work a person is doing, as well as any associated specialties. In some cases, a less than stellar job title may even feel like a sign of disrespect. Adjusting job titles to be more accurate and appealing is an easy change in many organizations and often costs very little (if anything) to implement.

Understanding what drives IT professionals to seek new opportunities positions your company to improve their retention efforts as well as attract some of the best new candidates for open positions. If you would like to enlist the help of skilled professionals for developing your retention strategy or finding top applicants for a job, Validity Solutions has the industry expertise you need. Contact us today and see how we can help you locate and keep the tech workers your business needs.