Dive Brief:
- Technologists zero in on five criteria when evaluating a possible new role: competitive pay and benefits, workplace flexibility, career advancement opportunities, access to ongoing learning, and a company's ethical reputation, according to a survey of 1,000 tech workers from Indeed.
- Tech workers said it's important to work at companies driven by transparent and open leadership, social impact programs that give back to the community, and values that match their own.
- Though adequate pay is the top decision-making factor for workers, half responded they'd be willing to opt for a role with a lower salary in order to access better career advancement opportunities or more workplace flexibility.
Dive Insight:
Today's job market is thirsty for technologists, a scenario which gives employees a clear upper hand when selecting a new workplace.
The scarcity for talent is driven by an aging workforce, a wider adoption of tech across industries and the evolution of technology itself. Some analysts even see the possibility of a major tech talent drought hitting the U.S. in the coming decade.
Amid the crunch, employers might benefit from boosting their in-house training programs and flexible work options. Per Indeed's data, it would let companies tap into a bigger talent pool, as half of employees say they look for these perks even if they come with a smaller paycheck.
What does "flexible work" mean? Among technologists who value a flexible workplace, 59% say having adjustable work hours are the most important feature. Tech workers also look for work-from-home policies and remote-work options.
"Offering flexibility at work makes it easier for workers to manage different areas of life, such as caring for children and aging parents, as well as taking care of themselves," according to Indeed. "And since flexibility tends to lead to productivity, it's a win for employers, too."
