​

​In the dynamic realm of the ever-evolving technology landscape, where advancements in AI and digital progress reshape the industry, understanding the intricate nuances of tech talent trends becomes imperative. Throughout January we will be sharing content to shine a light on this; check out our recent deep dive into the South West’s talent landscape here. Read on for insights into what candidates consider top priorities in the workplace.

iO Associates, renowned specialists in tech and digital recruitment, have recently undertaken a comprehensive survey within its extensive database of tech candidates. The aim was to decipher the priorities that guide people’s decisions when exploring new job opportunities.

As we delve into the complex dimensions of the tech talent landscape, this exploration collates a few key findings from iO’s candidate survey with industry-wide trends, providing insight into the factors influencing the choices and aspirations of tech professionals.

National Tech Talent Analysis

When researching the topic as a prelude to our survey, an observation is the increasing selectivity of tech workers when considering new roles in 2023, with 20% expressing a reluctance to pursue certain positions. This heightened selectivity is indicative of a shift where candidates are becoming more discerning about the roles they pursue.

The tech transformation driven by AI advancements and digital progress is ever-evolving. According to economist Kimbrough, maintaining the same job five years from now would require a substantial 25% alteration in one’s digital skillset. Moreover, data science and AI skills are on the rise, with job postings up more than 1000% in 2023.  

While AI advancements automate day-to-day tasks, the relevance of skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving remain important. Kimbrough emphasises the synergy of these skills and digital proficiency as fundamental to success in future professions.

Examining the top five hiring trends expected to influence talent and recruitment tactics in 2024, the emphasis on remote work emerges as a crucial consideration for both businesses and job seekers. The shift from a candidate-driven market to an employer-driven market signals a significant transformation in recruitment dynamics.

As the employment landscape transforms, adaptability, technology integration, and a focus on equity and inclusion become defining factors in attracting and retaining top talent. The challenges of rapid technological advancements, skill shortages, increasing competition for top talent, evolving candidate expectations, and the imperative of diversity and inclusion are national factors shaping the recruitment landscape of 2024.

In the face of these challenges, a strategic and adaptable approach is paramount for organisations seeking to recruit top-tier tech talent. This exploration provides insights and strategies to guide organisations through the intricacies of tech recruitment in 2024, ensuring they emerge resilient and innovative.

And the results are in... 

​Understanding the priorities of tech candidates is crucial for both employers and professionals navigating their careers. iO recently conducted a comprehensive survey to delve into the key factors influencing tech talent in their job considerations for the years 2023 and 2024.

The respondents rated various aspects in terms of importance, providing valuable insights into the trends shaping the tech talent landscape.

​

What type of career advancement opportunities are you looking for when considering a new role?

Tech candidates are not one-size-fits-all, and their preferences for career advancement opportunities vary. Here’s the breakdown of what they value most, ranked from highest to lowest importance:

Skills Training (42%)

Leadership Development (24%)

Regular Promotions (21%)

Cross-Functional Roles (9%)

Networking Opportunities (4%)

To cater to the diverse needs of tech talent, employers may design career development programs that offer a blend of skills training, leadership development, and clear pathways for promotions. Such initiatives contribute to a sense of job security by providing employees with the tools and opportunities needed for professional growth. Now, considering the importance of career security, we asked our respondents:

What factors make you feel secure in a job?

Here’s how tech candidates prioritised factors contributing to their job security:

Long-Term Contracts (41%)

Stable Company Financials (22%)

Clear Career Progression (21%)

Positive Industry Outlook (11%)

Robust Employee Benefits Package (5%)

1. Employers can improve employee job security by offering stable, long-term contracts and maintaining transparent communication about the organisation’s financial health. Providing clear pathways for career progression can further reinforce the sense of security among tech professionals. Job security and a positive industry outlook are also influenced by the reputation of a company, prompting us to explore further insight:

2. What aspect of company culture is most appealing to you?

3. Collaborative Environment (43%)

4. Employee Recognition and Appreciation (28%)

5. Diversity and Inclusion (14%)

6. Innovation and Focus (12%)

7. Social Responsibility (3%)

8. The majority of respondents highlighted a preference for a collaborative work environment. Employers looking to attract top tech talent should emphasise teamwork, recognising employee contributions, and promoting diversity and innovation as integral components of their company culture.

9. Which benefits are you most interested in?

10. Competitive Salary (92%)

11. Stock Options (4%)

12. Health Insurance (2%)

13. Retirement Plans (2%)

14. Unsurprisingly, a competitive salary was the overwhelmingly preferred benefit among tech professionals. While stock options, health insurance, and retirement plans hold importance for a smaller segment, offering an attractive salary package remains a key driver for talent acquisition.

15. What aspect of a company’s reputation is most important to you when considering a new role?

16. Here’s the breakdown of what aspects of a company’s reputation are most important to tech candidates: 

17. Employee Satisfaction (66%)

18. Market Leadership (10%)

19. Innovation Track Record (10%)

20. Customer Reviews (8%)

21. Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives (6%)

What makes a great team environment for you?

Supportive Colleagues (37%)

Clear Goals (28%)

Effective Communication (26%)

Diversity (7%)

Regular Feedback (2%)

Creating a supportive team environment is crucial for tech professionals. Employers should prioritise building teams that encourage support, communicate effectively, and set clear goals. Recognising and incorporating diversity and providing regular feedback also contribute to a positive team dynamic.

What qualities do you appreciate in leadership?

Approachability (31%)

Transparency (23%)

Strong Vision (22%)

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (18%)

Decision Making (6%)

In the realm of leadership, approachability and transparency are highly valued qualities. Tech candidates appreciate leaders who exhibit a strong vision, emotional intelligence, and effective decision-making skills. Employers should aim to cultivate leaders who embody these attributes to attract and retain top talent.

As we navigate the dynamic landscape of the tech industry, it is evident that understanding the intricacies of talent trends is imperative for both employers and professionals. These insights provide an understanding of the priorities and considerations of tech candidates as we enter 2024. Employers can leverage this information to tailor their offerings and strategies, ensuring they align with the evolving needs and aspirations of the dynamic tech workforce.

If you need assistance in sourcing candidates or finding a new role, feel free to get in touch with iO Associates.

​