IT Hiring Trends: Job Flexibility a Huge Factor for Prospective Employees
49% of survey respondents say Job Flexibility is important when contemplating changing companies.
As you know, finding top tier talent in the marketplace is becoming an increasingly difficult task. CultureFit recently conducted a survey of over 500 IT professionals to get a better idea on what it would take for them to leave their current company for a new organization. While an above average salary was the #1 response to help spur their interest, several other factors were just as important. The survey also showed that these professionals consider flexible work benefits as their 2nd highest priority, tied with healthcare benefits. In total, 49% said it is an important/extremely important factor in their decision making. While companies will differ in their policy as it pertains to what should be offered as a job flex benefit, businesses must be willing to have a flexible attitude when negotiating. Smart companies and start-up entrepreneurs should understand that in order to compete for and keep top talent in the years ahead, they’ll need to take a serious look at their flex work programs.
Below are three ways your business wins when you implement a job flexibility benefit in your offer package. Not only will your company and its employees excel, but you may just become the envy of the industry!
Quality of Life Improvement
By allowing your employees the opportunity to work from their home and telecommute, you are giving them a better quality of life experience. Studies have shown that employees who feel empowered to structure their work and personal lives according to their needs are more satisfied. In fact, when asked whether they’d rather have a flexible work environment or a salary increase, professionals overwhelming choose flexible work. Happy employee equals a person who will be far less likely to seek new employment elsewhere, reducing turnover and new hiring costs.
Greater Productivity
Recent studies have shown that when important tasks need to be completed, home is the preferred place to be because it eliminates all of the distractions and interruptions from colleagues, as well as the stress associated from commuting. Job flexibility allows your employees to get their work done when it works best for them, increasing their productivity. This means a better employee for the buck, which goes straight to your bottom line!
Loyalty is a 2-Way Street
Flexibility shows that you care about the well-being of your employees. In return, they will show you loyalty! Being flexible with your employees is good for business. It builds employee trust and commitment and helps you attract and keep that top notch talent. Loyalty makes for better employees who go above and beyond the call of duty, who will try even harder to find solutions that benefit the company. You definitely can’t put a price on loyalty, but you understand the benefit when you see it!
Your Corporate Culture is Strengthened
Many companies, like Amazon, have discovered that by giving their employees flexible benefits, you’re actually strengthening the culture of the company. This type of culture is good for your brand and public image, helping to not only attract the top talent but potential customers who translate company reputation to quality of product or service.
As you consider what flexible working could mean for your company, remember that occasional telecommuting, semi-flexible work hours, and alternative schedules are all options that can be molded to fit both the company’s and the employees’ needs. Flexibility isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. Customize your policies to find a happy medium that will meet the needs of all those involved.
If you are interested in finding a highly skilled IT Professional who will match your company’s culture, speak with one of our IT staffing consultants at CultureFit. CultureFit is a full service Technology Staffing and recruitment firm for corporate cultures that value organizational fit, employee satisfaction, and an extremely high level of technical IT skills.
