With a very low unemployment rate in most of the tech industry — particularly in speciality disciplines such as mobile, web and digital, and data and cloud computing — the pressure is high to implement IT projects to enable your organisation to benefit from the return on investment. Losing team members is tough, but losing your top tech talent can lead to major setbacks.
See our latest Demand for Tech Talent report for the latest industry insights and updates
Here are a few IT retention concepts used by top managers that work:
1. If they are your best people, make sure they know it
Leave nothing to chance. Acknowledge their contributions and recognise them for their work and overall value to the team and the organisation. Determine how each individual on your team prefers to be recognised. Some might appreciate a personal thank-you note at the end of a successful, long-term project, while others might enjoy being nominated for an industry award or other form of more public recognition for a job well done.
2. Set up a plan with your best tech talent for long-term career growth and job satisfaction
Top performers want to advance and feel challenged. Your best people will be less interested in looking elsewhere if they know they can accomplish everything they want in your organisation. A well thought out plan offering career development or training in the areas they're most interested in does just that.
3. Be proactive
Don't wait for the top tech talent in your group to ask for more money. Make sure sure their salary is in line (check out Robert Half Technology's Salary Guide). Even if it is, consider boosting it or offering an unexpected bonus for exemplary work. Ask for their ideas or leadership on an interesting project to keep them engaged.
4. Listen closely to top tech talent
If you create an environment where open feedback is welcome and expected, your best people will tell you everything you need to know about their job satisfaction. If they know they have a voice, they won't take their frustrations elsewhere.
Adopt these four simple retention concepts and you'll be ahead of the game. It's much easier to retain than replace, so your focus on retention will pay dividends.
