Tech workers eye job changes amid shifting priorities: Harvey Nash
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A recent report by IT staffing provider Harvey Nash reveals that over a third of U.S. tech professionals are considering leaving their current roles within the next year.
This shift in the job market landscape highlights the evolving priorities of tech workers and the challenges faced by employers in retaining top talent.
The 2024 Harvey Nash Global Tech Talent and Salary Report gathered insights from 2,700 respondents across 44 countries.
Pay remains a key driver
The primary motivation for potential job changes is the desire for better compensation, with 50% of respondents citing this as their main reason. However, career advancement (35%) and a change in company culture (29%) also play significant roles in employees’ decisions to seek new opportunities.
“Our findings highlight a challenge for tech employers in the [U.S.], even if it remains to be seen how many tech professionals change jobs,” said Jason Pyle, president and managing director of Harvey Nash USA and Canada.
Beyond salary: Culture and growth opportunities
The report notes that offering attractive compensation packages may bring talent in, but retaining them relies on a workplace culture that supports flexibility, growth, and development.
“Staff want flexibility, development opportunities, and a career path that helps them flourish,” Pyle noted. “Employers need to lift and build the skill sets of their teams, helping people develop and keep fit for the future, especially around AI.”
Additionally, U.S. tech workers highly value policies like remote work options and healthcare benefits, ranking these as the third most influential factors when considering a new job. This differs slightly from the U.K., where “work from anywhere” policies rank as the second most important attractor, followed by “strong culture and leadership.”
Pyle notes, “It may be relatively easy to get staff in through the door with the lure of a good salary and package — but keeping them there comes down to the culture and environment of the business.”
Higher turnover in the UK and a focus on well-being
The Harvey Nash Global Tech Talent and Salary Report also highlights a high turnover rate among UK tech workers, with 50% planning to leave their jobs within the year, higher than the global average of 45%. This is primarily driven by the need for higher wages and career progression.
The report emphasizes a growing focus on well-being in the workplace, with 80% of employees feeling supported by their organizations in maintaining mental and physical health. Flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid and fully remote work options, have become common well-being initiatives, with 52% of employees globally reporting strong support for hybrid work.
With AI and automation advancing rapidly, tech firms are increasingly focusing on developing these skills internally. Yet, the report warns that a lack of diversity in AI development teams may lead to bias in the technology, urging organizations to prioritize inclusive initiatives for long-term success.
