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Staff Retention is Top Concern for Technology Leaders

TORONTO, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Technology hiring in Canada holds steady for the second half of 2017, and staff retention is top-of-mind according to Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Fifty-eight per cent of CIOs say they plan to hire professionals, either to grow or maintain their technology teams, while 23 per cent said staff retention is their main concern. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand, additional CIO concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"Tech leaders look to hire prudently in the next six months, as digital initiatives continue to take an expanded role in overall business strategy," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager of Robert Half Technology. "It's essential that companies evaluate their teams to ensure they have the right people in place, who both understand the needs of the organization, and can provide strategic input that supports short- and long-term business goals."

Hiring Plans & Challenges
According to the report, eight per cent of Canadian CIOs plan to bring on additional IT talent during the next six months, and another 50 per cent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: Two in five (43 per cent) of Canadian tech leaders say that it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market.

Factors Leading to Tech Hiring in Canada
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, nearly one-third (31 per cent) of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. The other factors impacting tech hiring in Canada include:

• Increased digital initiatives (20 per cent)
• Increased mobile initiatives (18 per cent)
• Increased big data initiatives (14 per cent)

Skills in Demand
According to respondents, the skills in greatest demand within their organizations include:

1. Network Administration (35 per cent)
2. Database Management (33 per cent)
3. Telecommunications Support (31 per cent)
4. Wireless Network Management (30 per cent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 23 per cent of Canadian CIOs said they will be focused on staff retention. Other priorities will include:

• Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information (21 per cent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (18 per cent)
• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (17 per cent)
• Innovation and helping to grow the businesses (16 per cent)

"The most sought-after professionals are those who are able to identify emerging tech trends, and evolve their skills to integrate innovative networking, data and security tools into the business," added Bottineau.

About Robert Half Technology
With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalf.ca/technology. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2017 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions. Follow blog.roberthalf.ca, and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

Survey Methodology
The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. To ensure that companies from all segments were represented in the study, the sample was stratified by number of employees. Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in Canada since 1995.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology