Building a Workplace That Inspires Tech TalentBuilding a Workplace That Inspires Tech Talent

By Robert Ortiz, Amadeus North America

As companies race to adopt the latest innovative technologies to maintain their competitive edge, the need to attract highly skilled professionals has never been more urgent.

In a new study, Innovating the Culture of Tomorrow, we discovered what motivates top tech talent and how to create a working environment that enables them to thrive. These skilled professionals are essential for fostering innovation, driving efficiency, and supporting the digital transformation of entire industries.

Drawing on global research, this article outlines tech professionals' key priorities, concerns, and ambitions, providing actionable recommendations for organizations aiming to attract top talent and empower their existing workforce to reach their full potential.

Growth Opportunities Anchor Employee Loyalty

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, tech professionals' priorities have shifted. Globally, nearly all (94%) foresee career changes ahead, with many indicating they will leave their current roles if they don't receive the necessary training. Some 65% of these professionals in the U.S. alone expect to pivot their careers at least three times to keep up with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), extended reality, and cloud computing.

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In the past, tech professionals could expect to specialize early in their careers and continue on that path, but this approach no longer suffices in today's fast-changing technology industry. Continuous learning is crucial for success, and employees clearly recognize that they cannot risk falling behind. Many actively seek work environments that offer clear pathways for career progression — namely environments that invest in ongoing training and development. Yet 25% of U.S. tech professionals feel their current employer falls short in this area. This risks not only disengagement but also talent loss, as employees will prioritize organizations that support are focused on their growth, alongside the growth of the company.

It's important for employers to rethink what this training looks like for staff, too. Alongside technology, training has evolved. Modern upskilling doesn't require a full day out of the office. With today's advanced digital platforms, online training has become more interactive and personalized than ever, and far easier and more flexible to implement than traditional training programs.

Innovation Over Salary

When it comes to attracting top talent, innovation has become a stronger driving force than salary for tech professionals. Our findings reveal that when selecting a potential employer, 48% of professionals surveyed chose "being innovative" as the most important factor, outweighing salary, which was chosen by 45%. Also, tech professionals working at companies recognized for their innovation reported significantly higher job satisfaction, with 48% of U.S. tech professionals reporting they were "very happy" — a stark contrast to just 21% at non-innovative companies. Furthermore, tech professionals at organizations lacking innovation were four times more likely to consider leaving in the next year.

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James Berry, who is the founder of the UCL MBA and a key commentator on the findings, explained that shift as being driven by job security: "Salary has become less of a priority and a more innovative company promises greater job security and longevity. Ultimately, for organizations aiming to attract and retain the best talent, this highlights the importance of clearly and effectively showcasing your innovation achievements."

Our research finds that tech professionals were willing to take a 21% pay cut to work for the most innovative brand in the sector, which reinforces the idea that people are searching for roles that are truly satisfying, exciting, and secure. It also reflects how tech professionals have been affected by global uncertainty in recent years, potentially being more risk-averse. Understanding these factors is crucial to creating an environment that professionals want to stay working in.

A Future-proof Recruitment Strategy

As the landscape shifts for tech employees and companies, there's a pressing need to revisit the approaches to hiring, training, and retaining staff for 2025 and beyond. In an era increasingly influenced by technology, organizations must refine their methods for team development and retention.

Consider the recruitment process of growing tech teams, for example. It extends beyond simply hiring standout talent and requires a continuous effort that demands thoughtful planning for the duration of their tenure with the company.

Attracting and retaining leading tech talent requires more than competitive compensation; it necessitates creating an environment where innovation and growth are at the forefront. For companies aiming to thrive, embracing and endorsing a culture of continuous learning and inventive thinking is key. Those who adapt with this focus are set to lead the industry into the future.

Methodology

Opinium Research questioned 2,200 technology professionals from eight markets — India, France, Spain, Turkey, Colombia, Philippines, U.S., and the U.K. — in the third quarter of 2024. Respondents were aged from 18-55+ and are employed in a representative cross-section of technology professions. Open questions were analyzed by Mercury Analytics. These findings were consolidated to produce "Innovating the Culture of Tomorrow" by Amadeus.

About the author:

Robert Ortiz is Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Amadeus North America.