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76% of UK IT workers want to change their job in 2017

As if the lack of finding enough skilled IT workers isn’t enough for most companies, they have to deal with yet another challenge. Keeping their current IT staff.

This problem is going to be especially obvious in the UK this year. According to a new study by Investors in People, 76% of British IT workers are planning to change their job in 2017. This is 15% more than last year.

Why is this? Because IT employers are bad? Quite the opposite. 23% of IT workers say they feel the local tech job market has improved in 2016. That’s 6% more than last year. Now more people are seeing more better opportunities for their careers.

More than half of IT workers say the main reason for the desire to switch jobs is better pay. That’s 11% increase since last year. 36% also say they want better career options and more progression. So, as people develop, they rightfully seek better options.

This though further aggravates the main issue – the IT skills gap. Since the hunger for quality IT workers is big, people tend to change jobs more often in search of a place which will suit them better and will cater their needs. This makes is increasingly difficult for companies to find new workers since everyone are basically fishing in the same pond.

So, if you are qualified and have some of the hottest certifications, then you will easily find a better job. This leaves the companies to figure out how to attract new IT workers. And there are interesting differences between generations.

The young know what’s up

The survey shows that 38% of people ages 16 to 29 say one of the most valuable qualities they look in a new employer is feeling valued. Poor management, outdated managing methods and all the rest don’t really fly with the modern IT worker.

The second value which the young people point to is career progression. They want to see their employer invests in them, develops them, creates more opportunities. A career path is also nice.

Third, flexibility. Young workers prefer flexible working options and hours. 34% even say they would prefer increased flexibility than a small raise in salary.

So, there you have it. A few issues incoming and lots of options to solve them. As long as there is enough will from the top management, you may actually benefit from the skills gap.