A staggering 43% of current IT employees plan to leave their job in the next 12 months, while more than half (57%) have only been with their current employer for less than one year.

Newly released data from the Randstad World of Work report 2011/12 has shone light on the fickle world of IT employment, with workers being in hot demand throughout Australia.

Rapid technological advancements and increased demand for skilled workers have meant employees can afford to be picky. Randstad solutions director for information technology, Richard Talbot, said "Salary tends to drive technology professionals more than workers in other industries. According to the report, 41% of employees are expecting a 5-10% increase, with 19% looking for an increase of 10% or more this year."

Talbot said there are still significant gaps in terms of supply and demand of skilled IT professionals.

"Often, the 'top IT talent' that employers are very keen not to lose from permanent positions are tempted into moving into well-paid contracting roles."

Further, the report indicated that while salary is the most important employee benefit for 28% of IT professionals; flexible working options are also highly regarded (23%) and can be leveraged to improve retention.

Randstad found that the two deciding factors for IT and Telecommunications employees looking to leave their current role are:

1. Lack of opportunity for growth or advancement (36%); and

2. Uncompetitive salary (19%)

Talbot said employers need to better understand and recognise the motivations behind employees' actions, if they are to successfully attract and retain the top talent within IT as the skills shortage intensifies.

He added that when salary increases are not possible, it is especially important to consider extending employee benefits, including increased flexibility to working hours, and clearly communicating opportunities for growth and development within organisations.

"If leveraged correctly, these alternative benefits can make all the difference to your employee retention efforts and would help prevent your best talent from walking out the door," Talbot said.

Source: Human Capital Magazine