Almost three quarters of IT professionals (72%) feel under-appreciated in the workplace, according to a new report published by Spring Technology, the IT recruitment specialists. Seven in ten (70%) also believe that employers are failing to break down barriers between IT departments and the wider business, with over half (55%) thinking that the majority of employers lack an understanding of how their role contributes to the success of the organisation.

The research highlights a disconnect between employers and their IT professionals, suggesting that British companies may be missing out on the revolutionary role that IT can play in modern business. While evidence grows of a widening skills gap, and as an improving economy is expected to increase hiring, the findings underline the importance of developing tailored approaches for attraction and retention of IT professionals in a candidate-led market.

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Location is regarded as the most significant consideration when accepting a new position, with 62% of IT professionals seeing their place of work as a ‘deal breaker’. Salary is the next most influential factor, as 55% of respondents cited it as critical, and a clear job description was the third most important driver in accepting a new job, being a ‘deal breaker’ for 40% of candidates.

The results diverge considerably with business leaders’ understanding of what drives IT professionals’ career choices. 71% of employers thought that salary would be the deciding factor, while only one in five (21%) were aware of the importance of a clear job description. When many IT candidates are more than willing to discuss the wider offer, it is important not to overestimate a single element of the reward package if businesses are to attract high calibre IT talent.

‘It is crucial that businesses understand how to tailor their approach to attract and retain IT professionals,’ said Richard Protherough, Managing Director of Spring Technology. ‘A complex war for talent with tailored offers, is replacing the old ‘one size fits all’ methodology where employers competed on who could offer the highest salary.’

‘Today’s business leaders need to learn to cater for a mixed workforce where as many as four generations could be working together. Those employers who will succeed in securing IT talent will be those who make their package relevant to the people they’re trying to attract. Flexible working, opportunities for travel and company reputation all influence the career decisions of IT professionals, and should be considered as part of the overall package to attract and retain the best talent in a candidate-led market.’