The worth of people power

The UK has suffered from a ‘brain drain' in the past and I was interested to see recent research that hinted at disquiet in the IT sector.

Yirrell: Treat your staff well, and reap rewards

According to figures from recruitment agency Computer People, 71 per cent of IT workers are considering looking at jobs abroad because they are not happy in their current position.

The economic downturn has been difficult for private sector companies and these firms have had some amazing loyalty shown to them by staff, who have taken pay cuts, pay freezes and shorter working weeks in their stride, all to help the business.

The staff are what keep a firm going and it is vital that they are kept both happy and motivated.

However, it is not only money that motivates people, the research claimed, a company must also offer a clear career path and job security.

I don’t agree with holding companies to ransom to get what you want as they do in some sectors. Threatening to leave usually holds no sway either.

But what firms need to do is reassure staff that they are valued, treat them with respect and when things finally do start improving ­ give them some kind of recognition for their loyalty.

After all, the cost of living has not conveniently stopped increasing just because there is a recession on.

Sara Yirrell is editor of CRN ­ contact her at [email protected]