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Beyond the Binary: Key Factors That Will Define IT Talent Retention in 2024

Beyond The Binary              
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By Taggd Editorial Team

January 12, 2024

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Introduction

In a sector boasting a staggering $245 billion market size and contributing 7.5% to the Indian economy, the IT industry has become a cornerstone of the nation’s economic landscape. With approximately 5.4 million individuals employed in this dynamic field and a notable 5% year-on-year change in hiring for 2024, the IT sector remains a vital force in shaping India’s professional landscape. 

However, despite its historical growth, the industry is bracing for a potential shift in 2024. According to insights from Taggd’s India Decoding Jobs Report 2024, this year marks a noteworthy milestone, as the IT sector is poised to experience a dip in headcounts for the first time in 25 years. 

A confluence of factors, including the anticipated global economic slowdown, could curtail IT spending and subsequently reduce the demand for IT services. This, in turn, may elevate attrition rates and jeopardize the retention of skilled talent within the industry. In this article, we will delve into the key factors that will define how IT organizations navigate the challenge of talent retention in the year 2024.

Catalysts for IT Professional Commitment: Unveiling the Key Drivers that Anchor Talent within a Company

1. Career Development

Employees increasingly view career development opportunities as a crucial aspect of their job. 63% of employees decide to leave their current positions, citing a lack of opportunities for advancement within their present companies. 

Despite this, only 41% of professionals believe their current employer supports their transition into new roles that complement their existing skills. 

To rectify this, organizations must prioritize robust career development initiatives. 

Implementing mentorship programs, skill-building opportunities, and personalized development plans can empower employees to envision and pursue a progressive career path. 

Regular performance reviews and open communication channels will play a pivotal role in aligning individual aspirations with organizational needs and fostering a culture of continuous growth and advancement.

2. Compensation & Other Financial Benefits

While 38.5% of tech professionals consider total compensation when evaluating job satisfaction, an alarming 37% of IT hires contemplate leaving their positions due to compensation concerns. To address this, organizations need transparent and proactive approaches. 

Regular market salary reviews, clear communication about the full value of benefits and bonuses, and performance-based incentives are crucial. 

By establishing a clear link between effort, skills, and financial rewards, companies can elevate the perceived value of compensation, enhancing employee retention and satisfaction.

3. Flexible Work Arrangements

An overwhelming 85% of IT professionals prioritize flexible work arrangements, underscoring the importance of adapting to the evolving work landscape. 

To meet these expectations, organizations should embrace and formalize flexible work policies, emphasizing trust and outcome-based performance rather than rigid schedules. The hybrid work model and other initiatives promoting a healthy work-life balance is the way ahead, and organizations must proactively make policies along these lines to bolster their attractiveness as sought-after workplaces.

To enhance engagement in such settings, leveraging technology solutions that facilitate seamless remote collaboration and communication is imperative. By championing a culture that values results over physical presence, companies can create an environment that resonates with the modern workforce, promoting both productivity and job satisfaction.

4. Support for Employee Health and Well-being: Cultivating a Positive Work Environment

With a staggering 70% of tech sector workers citing unhappiness or unfulfillment as reasons for leaving jobs, prioritizing employee well-being is non-negotiable. 

To foster a positive work environment, organizations should invest in comprehensive wellness programs and mental health resources. 

Regular check-ins with employees, transparent communication, and swift resolution of concerns contribute to a healthier and happier workforce. 

By making employee well-being a cornerstone of the corporate culture, companies can create a workplace that not only attracts top talent but retains it through sustained job satisfaction.

5. Adequate Accessibility to Tools and Resources: Empowering Continuous Learning

Employees prioritize reskilling and training opportunities within the company as essential for advancing in their current roles and exploring diverse opportunities within the organization. An overwhelming 87% of millennials emphasize the significance of workplace learning and development. 

However, Only 27% of IT professionals believe their organizations provide ample plans and processes for learning new skills. 

To address this gap, organizations must invest in cutting-edge tools and technologies. Establishing a culture of continuous learning through accessible training programs, workshops, and certifications empowers employees to stay at the forefront of industry trends. 

Regular assessments of the accessibility and effectiveness of tools ensure that employees can perform optimally, creating an environment that nurtures growth and innovation.

6. Meaningful Work: Inspiring Passion and Purpose

A striking 90% of individuals express a willingness to earn less if it means engaging in more meaningful work. 

To harness this intrinsic motivation, organizations must foster a sense of purpose within the workplace. Leaders should articulate the broader impact of employees’ work, connecting individual roles with the company’s overarching mission. 

Providing opportunities for employees to contribute to projects aligned with their values significantly enhances job satisfaction and overall fulfillment. 

By creating an environment where every role contributes meaningfully, organizations can tap into the deep-seated passion of their workforce, promoting loyalty and sustained job engagement.

The Path Forward

Despite the potential dip in headcounts predicted for the IT industry in 2024, the resilience of this sector remains unwavering. The impending soft growth does not signal a halt to the industry’s overall trajectory, as projections suggest that the IT industry in India is steadfastly moving towards becoming a formidable $500 billion powerhouse by 2030. 

While hiring may experience a temporary slowdown, the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to surge. As Hariharan Subramanian Head HR, IRIS Software Group, put it “In preparation for 2024, the IT industry is strategically prioritizing key skills such as Cybersecurity, Risk Assessments, and Fraud, while also concentrating on customer support. Additionally, a noticeable shift is expected towards personal branding, encouraging recruiters to establish themselves as individual brands.”

In addition to the previously highlighted insights, the India Decoding Jobs 2024 report offers a wealth of data-driven and actionable information for recruiters operating in the IT domain. These valuable inputs and emerging trends for 2024 empower IT recruiters to make prompt and strategic decisions, steering towards a workforce and organizational culture well-prepared for the challenges of the future. 

Drawing on meticulously conducted surveys and profound conversations with respected talent acquisition professionals across various sectors in India, this comprehensive report has evolved into a favored reservoir of data and insights. It stands as an instrumental resource guiding recruitment decision-making, providing a nuanced understanding of the landscape and aiding recruiters in shaping dynamic and forward-thinking teams.

To download your exclusive copy of the report, click here or write to us at contact@taggd.in.

By Taggd