Salaries, bonuses and benefits are key reasons why IT candidates accept jobs. However, money and days off do not keep people employed with you over the long-term. If you want to improve your retention rates and keep top IT talent engaged, here are a few strategies you should be using:
One: Make Them Feel Valued
IT employees want to know that their contributions matter. There are a number of ways in which you can make your team members feel valued. You can recognize achievement in weekly meetings, submit team successes to the company newsletters, or simply make an effort to say “thank you” when someone does a great job.
Two: Connect Their Work to Company Goals
If you want your team to feel “plugged in” to the organization, you’ve got to be able to connect their individual goals with the overarching goals of the company. Be sure that every IT employee understands the company’s goals and mission, and during regular performance check-ins, be sure to discuss how each person’s work helps move the organization towards the finish line.
Three: Give Them the Tools They Need to Succeed
IT managers must be acutely aware of what their team members need in order to get their jobs done efficiently. Don’t assume you know what they need – ask. And if they need something you don’t have, such as a new software platform, better equipment or new staff members, go to bat for the group with upper management. Employees will be loyal to managers who pave the way for their success.
Four: Develop Them and Offer Them Room to Grow
IT professionals spend a lot of time and money keeping their skills up to date. If they are growing their skill base but they are not getting the opportunity to use those skills on the job, they will find somewhere else to work. Get to know the two-year, five-year and ten-year goals of your team members and offer them advice and support on how to reach those goals. Give eager team members new responsibilities whenever possible, and if someone applies for a promotion, don’t stand in their way.
Five: Allow Them to Unplug
IT professionals understand that long hours and on-call shifts are just part of the deal. However, nobody wants to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your team needs to have time to completely disconnect from the office so that they can relax and recharge their batteries. Remember, they are people with families, hobbies and interests, just like you.
If your organization struggles to keep top IT talent for the long haul, consider working with an expert team to help you reach your goals. The recruiters at Contemporary Staffing Solutions can help you source, attract, hire and retain highly-skilled professionals at all levels. Contact CSS today to learn more about the ways in which we can help you improve your IT hiring processes this year.