Data from more than 1,000 open source technology users reveals management and soft skills training fell behind amid pandemic
EDB, a leading contributor to PostgreSQL®, released a survey of more than 1,000 IT professionals, application developers and business management at its Postgres Vision 2021 conference. The survey found that this key talent pool would consider other roles for stronger career path options, better mentorship and greater opportunity to work with cutting edge technologies.
Talent retention is a growing and widespread challenge for business leaders. Staff turnover is estimated to cost the UK economy £16.9 billion in 2021. At the same time, demand for tech jobs has never been higher – the ONS reports that more than 100,000 new technology jobs have been created in the UK since March 2020, with solutions architects, business analysts and Java developers in particularly high demand. These expectations are driving a movement dubbed, “the great resignation,” making it increasingly difficult to recruit and hold onto talent.
The global survey by EDB targeted open source technology users, specifically those holding application development, information technology and operations titles at organizations greater than 100 people. Respondents were surveyed on their volume of work and quality and kinds of training, along with motivations that could lead them to seek other job opportunities.
Key findings from the survey include:
Employees will quit for better career path and learning opportunities
Findings revealed that job hunting is motivated by:
- Improved career path options (24%).
- Better mentorship (17%).
- The opportunity to work with more cutting edge technologies (16%).
Training in emerging tech and compliance captured high ratings
Respondents were asked to rate their employer’s approach to new training initiatives during the pandemic:
- 53% viewed their employer’s approach to new technology (e.g., cloud) training more favourably.
- Nearly half (48%) had a more favourable perception of compliance training.
Mentorship and and wellness fell to the wayside during the pandemic
When respondents were asked which programs their employer rolled out during the pandemic:
- Only 10% rolled out new mentorship programs.
- Only 13% conducted soft skills training.
- Only 14% provided wellness programs.
Management training suffered
- 59% of respondents viewed their organization’s approach to management training less favourably.
“Technical professionals are sending a clear message to management on what keeps them engaged,” said EDB president and CEO, Ed Boyajian. “As employers and leaders we need to actively support their development. Whether it’s offering more mentorship, training in the best technologies, or promoting overall well-being, we must invest in what inspires our teammates and helps them grow.”
As competition for top IT and application development talent heats up, EDB has implemented benefits such as Wellness days, a flexible work environment, leadership and technical training, and a home office stipend to support remote work arrangements.
