Almost a third of IT professionals want to change careers and move sectors despite the pandemic.
Research from recruitment firm Reed shows that staff are hacked off at employer behaviour, work-life balance and re-evaluated priorities during lockdown.
The number of those looking for new jobs increased to 36 percent, an increase of nine per cent compared to this time last year.
Reed Technology Chris Adcock said: “Without IT teams the overnight switch to working from home would have not been possible – these professionals have been vital parts of keeping the economy going. But many employees know their value or feel that they have been poorly treated at this time – perhaps in part to clocking long hours as transitional periods continue. In this sector, it has never been truer to say that there are some highly talented people looking to jump jobs, or who have been made redundant as a result of the current climate.”
Over a third of respondents have completed training in the past six months, a figure that rises to 47 percent for those in the 18-24 age bracket, with digital skills, wellbeing training and management training the most likely to be undertaken.
However, 77 percent of unemployed IT professionals have not undertaken any training since losing their jobs, with 36 per cent responding that they don’t know what training to do and 23 percent stating they cannot afford it.
Prior to lockdown, employers prized teamwork, leadership and communication skills over financial skills, grasp of technology and ability to work alone, according to Reed.
Employers still value leadership, teamwork and communications since lockdown but now give greater recognition to the ability to work alone when recruiting.
“Whatever the sector, wellbeing will be a key part of attracting talent. If tech companies can show mental health support, appreciation of their work, or providing clear lines for career progression despite an inability to give pay rises, these measures can be very attractive to the wealth of talented professionals looking for new jobs,” Adcock continued.
