Computer People survey reveals what really motivates IT staff today

Flexibility and security win out over traditional motivators of salaries and benefits

Computer People, the IT delivery arm of Adecco Group and market leader in IT recruitment, has announced the findings from its salary and benefits survey published by Computer Weekly magazine. According to the survey, challenging and rewarding work is ranked way ahead of salary as the number one consideration when IT professionals choose an employer.

91 per cent of IT staff said challenging work was an extremely or very important factor in a job, while 74 per cent said the same for salary and job security. The survey shows that freedom to make decisions, challenging work and recognition are more significant factors than pay and job security for most IT staff.

The survey of nearly 3,000 IT staff also reveals that IT professionals are increasingly prepared to vote with their feet if employers do not provide them with fulfilling work.

More than 60 per cent of permanent staff said they are keeping an eye on the jobs market, 14 per cent are actively looking for a new job and 17 per cent expect to change jobs within one to two years, the survey shows. 50 per cent said the main reason they left their last job was because of poor career prospects, with only 30 per cent citing salary as a reason for quitting.

Other key findings show:

• London and the South East continue to command higher salaries than the rest of the U
• Scotland and Ireland are experiencing the highest year-over-year growth in salary
• Work-life balance is increasingly important
• 60 per cent of permanent and 90 per cent of contract workers are considering their next role today
• Career progression and salary is a major push factor for permanent employees

Ren Schuster, Adecco Group Country manager: "Employees now are not simply looking for a nine-to-five job that gives them a means of earning a salary, they are looking for flexible working hours, job security, interesting work and responsibility."

Schuster concluded: "At a time when salaries are under pressure to be competitive and quality skills are in short supply, the survey findings place pressure on IT departments to invest time and effort in developing their staff, rather than simply using pay as an incentive for them to stay."