IT staffing 2022: Follow These Trends to Discover Top Talent and Improve the Effectiveness of Your Team

May, 1st 2022

A pandemic, economic uncertainty, progressing norms – a range of factors contribute to an increasingly complex IT hiring landscape. What does that mean for you?

Look around – the IT staffing landscape is rapidly evolving. For most, COVID measures accelerated the journey to complete digital transformation and global reach. Here we watched teams spanning every sector rapidly adapt to virtual workspaces. New technology sprung up overnight to meet the ever-changing needs of employers and employees – forever changing how we find, hire, and retain skilled IT specialists. Unprecedented obstacles, however, still stand in the way of many of the ambitious goals set by leaders worldwide.

In a recent report, the World Economic Forum describes a double disruption over this past year. The independent international organization found that lockdowns and an economic downturn, paired with other key developments, forever transformed the workplace as we know it. Today’s businesses must overhaul practices to stay competitive in the modern market. Employers are aggressively redefining their relationships with the professionals they rely on each day. Looking ahead, a series of IT staffing trends will determine your success within the current tech labor market.

Working outside the office

According to a recent projection, one-quarter of all professionals in North America will be remote by the end of 2022. While this may music to the ears of many – managers must keep a keen eye on productivity and time management goals. Thankfully, many think that the home is a premium place to work. A 2021 report by Owl labs found that 55% believe that they more hours remotely than at the physical office.

Commutes are a burden to workers and employers alike – imagine all the time saved by remote and hybrid models. The University of Chicago calculated that our overall nationwide commute went down 62.4 million hours each day throughout the pandemic. Not only is this shift great for the environment, but it also leads to happier, safer employees who have more time on their hands. Here IT staff become more willing and able, to commit to your goals as a company.

Growing demand amidst shortages

Tech companies are increasingly scrambling to fill critical gaps with highly qualified talent with advanced degrees and finely tuned skillsets. Unfortunately, the labor market can’t keep up with a surge of demand for IT staff. A study from Korn Ferry projects that the talent shortage in the technology sector will translate to $162 billion worth of unrealized output within the United States by 2030. 

This unlimited demand for IT professionals offers extraordinary challenges for staffers. A recent Gartner survey reveals that a labor shortage hinders the adoption of technology such as automation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Firms that wish to stay ahead must adjust to the evolving ecosystem as the unique needs of individuals continues to evolve.

More diversity, equity, and inclusion

These days, a truly effective organization requires a deeper trust and commitment to employees. Much more than a simple headcount, true equality is a direct result of policies, programs, and the overall mindset of your company. It is no surprise that these things matter to applicants. In fact, 77% of candidates assess company culture when considering a job offer. This data suggests that any negative perception could significantly limit the pool of talent.

Diverse companies have a better chance of attracting top performers. Beyond any moral responsibility you have throughout the process, research shows the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workspace. These teams offer higher revenue growth and greater readiness to innovate – simply put, dynamic groups produce better outcomes.

Innovative hiring and onboarding cycles

Recently, the entire IT staffing cycle has gone digital and, in many cases, completely remote. It all starts with initial contact. Virtual job fairs open the doors of your company to job seekers well beyond those available within any local market. Initially adopted in response to the pandemic, this popular option is sure to continue and further evolve as staffers meet new levels of success.

Don’t forget that you will need to onboard once you make a hire. Interestingly, the traditional in-person model is on the way out. Tours of the office and meetings with the manager are replaced with meaningful digitized experiences. Ice-breakers, problem-solving exercises, and team-building activities are great ways to get new workers up-to-speed. If this all sounds too impersonal then a one-on-one meeting is only a click away!

Greater focus on employer branding

Thanks to a mismatch between the supply and demand of IT specialists, prospective employees can be more selective than ever. This highly competitive candidate-driven market requires IT firms to create a compelling case that explains why they are the best choice. Therefore, companies must build their reputation as honest employers and an ideal place to work.

It matters how you present yourself to the public. According to Glassdoor, 86% of job seekers use company reviews and ratings to decide where to apply while 75% are likely to apply to a job if the employer actively manages its brand. Shaping an attractive, worthwhile company identity ensures a dynamic workforce ready to fight for your cause.

Talent retention and reduced burnout

It’s been a rough last couple of years for everyone. Between COVID-19 and ongoing economic uncertainty, we collectively have a lot on our plates. As you know, burnout is a major issue within the tech industry. It’s so prevalent that two out of five employees want to quit due to excessive stress. Loss of motivation and engagement leads to less effective teams that consistently underperform. Smart employers hold on to current employees while nurturing talents to fulfill expanding roles.

Heavy workloads, low morale, salary cuts, conflicts with management – factors like these lead the best and brightest towards the door. As such challenges persist, resignations within the tech industry are increasing by 4.5%. It’s up to employers to promote a healthy work-life balance while closely monitoring workloads and scheduling. Work from home, wellness programs, social events – you’ve got options when it comes to creating a better workplace.

IT staffing in the 21st-century – what’s on the horizon?

As we continue to experience high levels of social and economic uncertainty, many are reconsidering what they value in a job. Effective IT staffing requires an ability to leverage key technologies while lending support where it is needed the most. Those that can better recognize and connect with talent will go far. Therefore, tech organizations must continuously adapt in unconventional ways to fulfill an ongoing need for professionals.

Ready to get the most out of these IT staffing trends? The Computer Merchant’s Staffing and Workforce Solutions is here to maximize your operation at every level. We believe in the power of human connections. Our recruiters build the bridge between employers and talent, here you’ll keep up with an increasingly competitive market and reach ambitious goals. Now is the perfect time to get started – reach out to the Computer Merchant today.