7 in 10 IT workers looked for new job in last year, half cite lack of career progression

Irish and UK businesses are failing to prioritise IT and risk losing IT talent as a result, according to a new study launched by global technology company EMC.  

‘The Great Skills Exodus’ report, based on research of 500 IT and cybersecurity workers in Ireland and the UK, reveals that 71% have looked for a job elsewhere, with almost half (49%) highlighting restrictions on career progression as a key driver. Across many industries the report also highlighted that a lack of career progression outweighed a poor pay package as the priority for considering alternative roles. This potential staff churn significantly threatens the growth of Irish and UK firms as they increasingly focus on technology to compete and innovate.

 The study reveals the key factors driving IT workers to actively look outside of their current organisation for a new role. Company culture is highlighted as a barrier for many, with 26% citing their organisation as unwilling to change the way that ‘things have always been done’, 23% revealing a lack of understanding of IT’s role, and nearly a third (30%) stating that there are few opportunities to demonstrate their ability. 

 The study also revealed that people managers in the industry are fully aware of the factors driving their team members to leave yet seem unable or unwilling to negotiate changes needed to address the growing problem.  Businesses in Ireland and the UK risk falling behind in the innovation race—resulting in a loss of market share to more agile and disruptive firms—if they fail to provide fulfilling careers for their IT teams and incorporate them into the wider business team and strategy. 

The research also revealed that half of respondents aspire to work at large IT firms like EMC, with 41% wanting to work at digital organisations like Facebook, and just a third (32%) at more disruptive companies such as Uber and other new start-ups.

Gerry Murray, EMC Ireland Country Manager, said: “This research puts in clear terms the challenges that businesses across Ireland and the UK are facing when hiring and retaining IT talent.  

“For these businesses to retain their tech talent, senior management must embrace the role IT plays in business development. In addition to competitive pay and career progression, management must delegate more creative control to IT teams, allowing for greater innovation and efficiency within the business.

“In Ireland, a real shortage of tech skills, particularly in new fields like cloud computing and data analytics, means IT professionals are free to pick and choose who they work for and in what field. With national and global demand for these skills on the rise and tens of thousands of jobs either directly or indirectly linked to tech set to be created in the coming years, companies must act now to create a working culture that is friendly to IT.”