Battle for Techies Intensifies

The competition for skilled technology workers is going to get even more intense this year, particularly as new IT demands, talent shortages and overworked tech departments become more prevalent.

This month's issue of the Dice Report notes that more than half (54 percent) of hiring managers and recruiters expect that tech talent poaching will get more aggressive this year, while only 3 percent expect a let-up. The battle for techies who have some business experience also will amplify, as nearly three-quarters of corporate recruiters believe that business experience will be a firm requirement for tech positions.

On the other side, retention also will play a key role as organizations look to keep tech talent from running to the competition. The most popular retention incentives are flexible work hours, salary boosts and work on new or emerging technologies. Still, 54 percent of hiring managers believe there are signs when a tech employee is planning an exit, such as lack of engagement, large numbers of single day absences and getting up-to-date on expense accounts.

As demand for tech workers intensifies, can the federal government compete? Aside from having some interesting and engaging work for tech professionals, the government is taking some positive first steps, including reducing hiring times and improving work-life balance. What else would make the government an even more attractive employer?