The challenge has been clear over the past many years: There is a lack of IT labour and it does not seem to wane. Demand exceeds supply and this means increasing pressure on the existing workforce.
A conclusion that cannot be mistaken, as 50 percent in our latest survey indicates that the work pressure in the industry is either very high or high. 39 percent find it appropriate while only 10 percent find it low or very low.
The increased work pressure also means an increased focus on work-life balance – also for a professional group that is known for appreciating flexibility in working hours that makes it possible to meet and work late.
But what does a good work-life balance really mean?
In our survey, 1,400 IT people took a stand on what a good work-life balance is. From a list of 10 options as well as a text field, respondents were able to select one and a maximum of three answers to the question. It gave the following top three:
- Adaption of work to my life situation, e.g. family and leisure activities (59 percent).
- Company focus on employee well-being (44 percent).
- Working whenever it suits me (44 percent).
Next comes working from home (42 percent) and not taking home work matters or concerns (31 percent).
Recent years' studies on work-life balance are a reflection of the need for IT people to have private and/or family life to align. Especially with the high work pressure in mind. They also cherish their well-being and flexibility which is already a hallmark.
In the IT people's own words
The text field was also used extensively. Several respondents came with statements that work-life balance is also:
- opportunity to work where it suits you
- balance between responsibility, influence and remuneration
- being able to organize working hours and save overtime
- the possibility of a shorter working week
- that time is not counted but the results
- no work during vacations and weekends
- that there is no forced overtime
One even stated that work-life balance is "working from home 80-100 percent of the time". However, many of the answers tap into the overall results that show that IT people in particular would like to master working hours, responsibilities and influence.
Culture match is also clarified
Similar to work-life balance, respondents were also asked what a good culture match is. Culture match understood as the match between the candidate and the company with all its social and professional aspects.
Top three appear as follow:
- A good leader (55 percent).
- Sweet, sociable and profesionally competent colleagues (54 percent).
- Identification with company values (45 percent).
The fact that a good leader takes 1st place is not surprising as good management is the most important thing when IT people indicate what can make them switch job. Good and talented colleagues take 2nd place, which is also not surprising since the opportunity to sit in a competent team that challenges professionally and develops personally is also important for IT profiles.
The fact that the company's value set here occupies a 3rd place is interesting as the respondents – in the question of what can make them switch job – place an attractive value set in 9th place. This means that the good value set for IT profiles is not the best attraction strategy as it does not cause IT profiles to switch job.
The good value set, on the other hand, can be used as a retention strategy because it matters to the IT profiles when assessing the culture match between themselves and the job when being in it.
Get your hands on our 2019 survey
You can now download our survey - for free - by filling out the form here:
