IT professionals 'lack loyalty'

A loyal friend? Research from the IT Job Board reveals dissatisfaction in the ranks

Loyalty is hard to come by in the IT sector, according to the latest figures from the IT Job Board, with 85 per cent of workers questioned revealing they intend to move jobs after the recession.

The job site’s latest survey of more than 100 IT professionals in the UK revealed that 59 per cent are not loyal to their work and 52 per cent felt IT workers in general were not loyal in their employment.

In total, 80 per cent of respondents said they would be looking for a new job in 2011.

Half of the respondents said their lack of loyalty was down to the management not listening, and 46 per cent revealed their employers cut corners.

Banking and finance sectors were highlighted as having the biggest movement of IT workers – at 34 per cent.

Interestingly, 58 per cent of those questioned said their loyalty would be improved with better communication.

Those who were loyal to their employer reached 41 per cent, with 45 per cent of those saying it was because they were working on exciting projects, and another 45 per cent said it was because they liked the teams they work with.

Alex Farrell, managing director of the IT Job Board, said: “Employers should be alarmed by the fact that 80 per cent of IT professionals plan to look for work in 2011.

“Clearly the survey highlights that companies need to improve their communication with staff and make them feel more valued. The UK IT skills shortage means that the best talent will be snapped up, and potential new employers need to stand out and show the benefits of working for them. It seems next year will be another exciting one for the IT recruitment sector.”