Report: Despite improved workplace culture, tech workers are keeping one eye on the door

Technology hardware and software workers are the most likely group to recommend their employers across sectors, according to an EY report published last week. Yet, many still plan to quit their jobs in the next year. 

Company culture has improved year over year, according to 73% of tech workers, according to EY data. Just 7% believe workplace culture has degraded in the same timeframe. 

Despite the positive signs, technology workers had some of the highest quitting intent across sectors. 

Technology leaders have long grappled with improving workplace culture, a powerful tool to retain employees and support their professional development.  

To grasp the state of each sector’s workplace health, EY produced an index based on three key categories: culture, development and rewards. Workers in the technology hardware and software sector topped the ranking among the other sectors, scoring 68 out of 100, well above the average of 55. 

The disconnect between the positive depiction of the sector and the higher likelihood of quitting can be attributed, in part, to a shift in mindset among younger generations that are more open to switching jobs. 

But another component is the dearth of high-demand talent in some technology categories. 

In a year’s time, nearly half of technology workers expect to find a new employer as demand for IT roles shows signs of strength, a Harvey Nash report found. IT unemployment has begun to dip, and employers had over a half million active job postings in September, according to a CompTIA report. 

To respond to ongoing trends in tech talent attraction and retention, the EY report recommends business leaders develop a clear understanding of the employment market and the health of their organizations.