Half of technology professionals in the United Kingdom are contemplating leaving their current positions within the next year, as reported in the 2024 Harvey Nash Global Tech Talent and Salary Report.
Research conducted across 44 countries revealed that the UK has a higher percentage of employees looking to switch roles compared to the global average of 45%. The primary reason cited by UK workers for seeking new opportunities is to secure higher pay.
Additionally, over 40% expressed a desire to advance their careers by exploring new job prospects, while 31% are seeking a workplace with a different organizational culture.
Andy Heyes, the managing director for the UK, Ireland, and Central Europe at Harvey Nash, noted the challenging conditions faced by tech professionals in the UK and globally. The report also highlighted the trend of increased workloads leading many to consider greener pastures elsewhere. Heyes also mentioned the mobile nature of the tech workforce in the UK, which includes a significant number of contractors and freelancers.
The tech hiring landscape has witnessed fluctuations over the past few years, with the COVID-19 pandemic triggering a surge in tech recruitment as digital technologies played a crucial role during lockdowns. This was followed by the “great resignation” period, where many tech workers left their jobs in search of new opportunities both within and outside the tech industry. More recently, concerns about potential job cuts and redundancies have been looming over tech professionals.
Despite these challenges, tech workers are now more discerning in their job choices, expecting companies to offer a range of benefits and support, including flexible working arrangements and enhanced healthcare benefits. The emphasis on employee well-being is a global trend, with 80% of respondents feeling that their organizations support their mental and physical health.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are among the most popular well-being initiatives offered by companies, with a significant percentage of employees reporting strong support for these practices. Such initiatives not only contribute to employee satisfaction but also help in attracting and retaining diverse talent.
While progress has been made in promoting diversity in the tech sector, there is still room for improvement. The report highlighted the importance of offering flexible work options to attract and retain female talent in the industry, as women continue to be underrepresented in tech roles.
When it comes to acquiring tech skills, traditional pathways like university degrees remain popular, but there is a growing recognition of the value of industry training and apprenticeships. Women, in particular, are more likely to enter the tech sector through non-traditional routes, emphasizing the need for greater diversity in recruitment practices.
Businesses are actively addressing the tech skills gap by providing training for emerging technologies to their employees. However, concerns about diversity within AI development teams have been raised, as bias can be introduced into technology if the workforce lacks diversity.
Overall, the tech industry in the UK continues to evolve, offering exciting career opportunities with a focus on AI and emerging technologies. Understanding the perspectives of tech professionals is crucial for organizations seeking to attract and retain top talent in this competitive landscape.
