IT workers mostly don’t like their jobs

IT workers don’t like their jobs. At least, that’s what research from Investors in People has revealed, as a whopping 76% of IT staffers will be in search of a new job this year. It’s not clear if this is simply a “the grass is always greener” outlook on their jobs, but these findings fly in the face of industry predictions suggesting people would want to remain in their current roles due to economic uncertainties.

According to the annual Job Exodus Trends report, 42% of IT staff are already looking for a new job just one week into 2017.

“We were expecting to see British workers planning to stay put in the face of economic uncertainty,” said Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People. “But we’ve seen exactly the opposite: a significant rise in people seeking to move employers in 2017 and a jump in jobs confidence.”

The main reason IT staff are seeking new opportunities is for a pay rise, with concerns that wages at their current company would stagnate. Investors in People also revealed that pay is still one of the biggest happiness factors for staff working in the IT sector.

Other reasons given include better management and flexible working, which is a basic requirement of jobs this decade.

“Workers are telling us they want to move for better pay, better management and flexible working. This sends a clear message to British business to invest in your people or risk losing them,” Devoy said.

Investors in People added that competitive pay, enjoyable work and joining an employer with a good reputation are all at the top of the list when looking for a job.

“With worker wages stagnating and a strong jobs market, there is a clear imperative to address workers’ pay and tackle poor management,” Devoy added.

“No career progression (36%) and poor management (33%) are critical factors for IT workers being unhappy in their jobs. Employers need to really invest in their people in 2017 to attract and retain the best talent.”