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Globally, the business community is still in recovery mode. In Australia, unemployment is low, meaning it’s a candidate-led market and a challenging time for those in the hiring seat. 

Mercer’s 2023 Total Remuneration Survey draws attention to the claim that two-thirds of executives are facing a crisis from labour shortages, whilst HiBob’s 2022 survey found that 62% of professionals have been approached about a new employment opportunity. 

With these findings in mind, shining a light on your staff retention strategy and learning to recognise that it may be failing is crucial. When it comes to tech talent, we’ve identified five signs that could suggest they may not be as interested as they were, as well as providing insights into the reasons for this to help you address the issues.

Decreased Employee Engagement

Less engagement indicates that you’ve lost – or are losing – an employee’s interest. If an employee no longer feels challenged or involved, they can easily switch off and check out. Equally, when they sense their contributions are unimportant or undervalued, their enthusiasm to contribute might wane before disappearing completely.

If an otherwise productive and engaged team member becomes less innovative, is withdrawn during open discussions or meetings, and seems complacent about their role and the opportunities available, they’re likely thinking about greener pastures. 

Critical motivators driving your tech team are connection and visibility. When the path between a project and its impact on the business is well-lit, those involved can see their contributions are valued and fundamental to the big picture. In this environment, employee engagement and productivity will thrive.

Lack of Accountability

Lack of accountability is a worrying sign. Typically, it’s a marker that your leadership is letting you down. According to a 2021 Gartner HR survey, Manager quality ranks as the second-highest driver of staff attrition.

If employees feel unsupported, they become fearful of making mistakes and are less willing to accept responsibility when things go wrong. In this vulnerable state, working relationships suffer, trust is compromised and a blame culture results. 

Conversely, when Managers assume a nurturing or mentoring role, employees feel safe knowing that their leaders hold themselves accountable and that they’ll be supported if an error occurs. 

Those working in IT and tech jobs seek an environment that empowers risk-taking and looks for – and celebrates – the learning in the failures. Where these professionals are encouraged to be curious and adopt a growth mindset, you’ll find a team of loyal tech wizards.

Less Unity Between Team Members

It may be time to review the situation if you notice that an employee has become rigid in their role and blinkered in their approach to the team’s effort. A lack of unity is a red flag that begs the question; is your retention strategy good enough?

Make every effort to nurture unity amongst the various departments within your business. Because when team members invest in a company, they’ll go all out to support it, including rallying to support their colleagues to hit targets and complete projects.

By nature, tech professionals are team players motivated by successful outcomes. When working with a unified group, there’s no limit to the effort or commitment they'll inject into their work. Ensure your company prioritises building teams that support each other beyond the confines of the role.

Motivation and Productivity are on the Decline

You only need to reflect on your career to acknowledge that motivation and productivity are at their best when you feel inspired and challenged. The same applies to your employees. When energy and output decline, the desire to find a more satisfying opportunity will likely follow.

One thing we know about our local tech talent is they seek exciting roles that allow them to learn and be challenged.

Ensure that professional development and growth opportunities are available and easily visible within your organisation. When pathways for career advancement and continuous learning sit on the other side of outgrowing their current role, your people will know that you’ve considered their future needs.

No Longer Receptive or Motivated by Feedback

When employees don’t feel valued, they become less concerned with feedback and increasingly less motivated to please. If you can sense this amongst your team, it could be a sign that they’ve given up trying.

Tech professionals respond best when led by Managers who understand their worth, create opportunities for them to utilise their skills and trust their thinking. If you neglect to acknowledge these needs, you’ll leave them no option but to look for a company that does.

Improving Your Retention Strategy

A high staff turnover is costly, disruptive and damaging to your brand. It could also leave you struggling to attract the talent you need to execute your business goals whilst operating in this candidate-led market.

By looking out for the five signs mentioned above and committing to a culture that respects every team member and their key drivers, you’ll be repaid with long-term loyalty.

Technology and digital recruitment sit in a niche sector in which we boast a specialist team with extensive knowledge. With a head office in Sydney, we cater to our client’s recruitment needs across Australia.

Contact our team today to see how we can support your retention strategy or next staff appointment.