One quarter of all IT workers plan to change jobs this year, according to a new survey issued jointly by CareerBuilder.com and Sologig.com. This is a significant increase compared to 15% a year ago.
The survey, which was carried out across the US, was conducted by Harris Interactive from November 6th to December 2nd, and included 240 respondents. They were all full time employees, aged at least 18 years, and worked in the private sector.
Dwindling job satisfaction among IT workers
The increase in IT staff turnover is probably due to a fall in job satisfaction. This year, only 65% of IT workers report being satisfied with their jobs, compared to 72% last year, while 19% are dissatisfied compared to 12% in 2013.
However, compared to all workers with a 59% satisfaction rate, IT people are happier with their jobs.
Eric Presley, chief technology officer of CareerBuilder, said:
“Retention of IT workers is a perennial challenge for many companies, but the survey suggests 2014 could be a particularly active year for turnover. In one sense, this is good news for the tech job market.”
“When workers sense they have options, it’s a sign that job demand is healthy and wages are on the rise. On the other hand, employers will have to focus more on incentivizing their best tech talent by providing advancement or development opportunities and a workplace culture that suits their needs.”
Twenty-seven percent of IT workers say that over the last 12 months they have been taken on by organizations without having applied for a position.
More important than money
Below are some percentages that represent the share of IT workers who rate each factor higher than their paycheck:
- A secure job – 69%.
- Location – 64%.
- Good work culture – 60%.
- Benefit plans that are affordable – 57%.
- Career prospects – 40%.
- Ability to work from home – 40% (versus 19% for all workers).
- Chance of flexible schedules – 40%.
- Opportunities for learning – 40%.