Location is now second only to salary on IT workersí wish lists when they look for a new job, research published today by the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) has revealed. Almost a third (28 per cent) said it was the most important factor, placing it above factors such as company reputation (7 per cent), innovative technologies (23 per cent) and company culture (16 per cent).
Leading research house, Datamonitor conducted the 200-participant survey for the WDA which examined IT workersí attitudes to their work and their future career.
ìOur research sends a clear signal that a good work/life balance is increasingly important to a growing number of IT workers post the dot.com era,î commented WDA spokesman, Neil James, sector marketing manager. ìWales has witnessed this trend in recent years, as its workforce is contributing to the success of industry leaders, such as LogicaCMG, EDS and Fujitsu Services. These companies have continued to expand successful operations in Wales, and staff retention levels are particularly high which is definitely good for business.î
The survey also noted that over half (55 per cent) of IT workers surveyed cited work-related stress as the biggest drawback of their current job. Wales-based Pembroke Management Development sees tackling staff motivation head-on as key to companiesí future profitably.
ìThe UK stands to benefit greatly from the knowledge economy, particularly in the IT sector. Successful IT companies of the future will really harness staff talent, creativity and innovative capabilities,î explains Pembrokeís managing director, Andy Middleton.
îCompanies will only achieve sustained success in future by winning the hearts and minds of their staff, alleviating stress and harnessing talent like never before.î
About the research
Datamonitor conducted the primary research of the UK IT workforce on behalf of the Welsh Development Association (WDA). The research comprised 200 interviews under the following categories:
50 in Wales
150 in the rest of the UK
1/3 C-Level executives
1/3 IT managers
1/3 developers
Other key findings
90 per cent of C-level executivesí also rated workersí skill levels (most important or second most important factor) are increasingly crucial in outsourcing contracts.
44 per cent of C-level executives cited the biggest challenge to hiring and retaining staff is finding employees with the right skills for the job.
C-level executives look for a dedicated local workforce when choosing a specific outsourcing location.
IT companies ignore work/life balance issues at their peril
Good work/life balance is good for business
