According to a survey conducted by Robert Half Technology, 43% of CIOs believe that retaining existing workers will be their top staffing priority in 2010. The IT staffing and consultancy firm also reported that 21% of CIOs polled said they would offer more training and professional development opportunities to employers in 2010. The survey was made from a pool of 1,400 CIOs.
"Employers need to focus on preventing burnout and keeping their best people engaged at work," said Dave Willmer, executive director at Robert Half Technology. "This may be a challenge, given that staffing cuts and the reduction or elimination of benefits have left many employees feeling overworked and undervalued."
Robert Half Technology suggested a few retention efforts IT employers could start which might go a long way toward reinvigorating workers, including training and career development programs and career advancement opportunities. CIOs should re-recruit their best employees, which essentially means they must start working to convince them to stay on board.
Other suggestions include recognizing excellence and providing project support. The survey also suggests managers communicate regularly with staff, encourage team-building activities and promote work/life balance. The firm says CIOs need to consider the compensation packages they offer as well as re-evaluate the workloads employees are carrying. Effort such as these will be important in reducing turnover, according to the firm.
"Companies may have to work at 're-selling' themselves to existing employees in much the same way they would when promoting themselves to prospective hires," said Willmer.
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