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How to attract and retain talent in the tech industry in 2023

The tech industry has always moved at lightning speed. But for businesses recruiting in 2023, the pace is set to accelerate further. A shortage of skilled workers across areas like cybersecurity, data science, AI, and machine learning has created intense competition for talent. In today’s challenging employment market, candidates often have their pick of lucrative positions, with generous upticks in salary, benefits, and promotion opportunities.

The tech industry has always moved at lightning speed. But for businesses recruiting in 2023, the pace is set to accelerate further. A shortage of skilled workers across areas like cybersecurity, data science, AI, and machine learning has created intense competition for talent. In today’s challenging employment market, candidates often have their pick of lucrative positions, with generous upticks in salary, benefits, and promotion opportunities.

Tech companies are used to fighting the tide of a fast turnover, but the rise of remote working has made retention even more challenging. With distributed teams working different hours across different locations, businesses must work harder to nurture engagement and create a cohesive, inclusive culture. The kind that fosters diverse workforces and keeps naturally curious, ambitious employees loyal for the long term.

Your people-focused priorities for 2023

Recruiting and retaining staff in the year ahead will be influenced by a number of emerging trends. Understanding and acting on these priorities will help you hold onto your existing team and attract the tech talent you need to grow. When shaping hiring strategies for 2023, employers should consider key concerns, including:

• Remote working

The Covid pandemic fundamentally altered candidate expectations, particularly around where and when we work. Organisations not only need the right tools and processes to support remote working, but also robust culture-driven programmes that keep camaraderie, team spirit, and collaboration alive and well.

• Upskilling and reskilling

Staying competitive in tech requires an almost constant cycle of reskilling and upskilling. Fast-track training and development pathways are powerful attraction tools for fresh talent and provide long-term incentives to keep existing staff on board.

• Diversifying the talent pool

Tech companies will need to implement strategies to attract and retain a diverse workforce to help them thrive in a constantly changing market. More than ever, your company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a deciding factor for socially conscious candidates.

Create a stand-out employer brand

With businesses across the tech industry competing for the same limited talent pool, your brand, company culture, and values can be pivotal selling points. Ensure every candidate touchpoint – from first contact to final interview – delivers compelling reasons to be part of your organisation.

• Showcase your company culture

Spotlighting your culture – through employee testimonials, social media, and videos – helps potential hires picture themselves as part of your team. For maximum impact, align your messages with key candidate priorities, including flexibility, well-being support, and a healthy work/life balance.

• Highlight employee benefits

To attract top talent, emphasise sought-after benefits like remote working, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities. The tech industry is known for innovative perks, so consider benefits beyond the basics – from financial well-being programmes to free Friday lunches.

• Turn employees into advocates

Encourage current staff to discuss their experiences. Pinpoint what makes you more rewarding, supportive, and progressive than your competitors and share authentic stories from the people who know your business best.

Take a creative approach to talent sourcing

In a fast-moving employment landscape, it pays to think creatively. To broaden your access to candidates with niche skills, explore alternative talent pools and connect with applicants using non-traditional routes.

• Referral programmes

Employee referrals are a great way to attract top talent. Create a referral programme that rewards existing staff for recommending friends and colleagues for open positions.

• Talent communities

Talent communities allow you to tap into a ready-made collective of core skills. Nurture an active group of interested and engaged candidates you can call on as soon as new job opportunities arise.

• Campus recruitment

Many tech organisations recruit new graduates from universities and colleges. Build relationships with potential employees early in their careers to lock in loyalty and shape future leaders.

Use best practice to build long-term loyalty

When actively recruiting for scarce skills, it’s easy to shift focus from routine retention measures. But building a positive employee experience and fostering engagement are essential in today’s tight market. To prevent long servers from looking elsewhere for recognition, support, and advancement, prove their value and provide platforms for positive change.

• Champion collaboration

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. For remote and hybrid teams, schedule regular opportunities to check in and contribute to shared goals.

• Welcome employee feedback

Invite regular staff feedback via surveys, focus groups or one-on-one meetings. Build buy-in by bringing employee ideas to life and reporting the positive impact of staff-led initiatives.

• Promote wellness

Offer resources and support for workers’ well-being, such as mental health days, access to counselling, and exercise classes. Train managers and mental health first aiders to spot concerning symptoms and signpost appropriate support..

Talk to us about your tech recruitment challenges

Adecco’s tech recruitment team helps businesses of all sizes source, retain, and develop their workforce. For answers and advice on attracting and engaging talent across your organisation, get in touch with us today.

For more information about the trends impacting the labour market in 2023, download your copy of the Adecco Labour Market Outlook.

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