IT employers have 'retention deficit disorder', and telcos are even worse

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 22 May 2007 10:57

IT Industry - Market

On employer contribution, the telecommunication Industry ranked quite low, just ahead of trades & services and manufacturing. On the other hand the result showed that the IT industry was quite well balanced with the employer perceived to contribute slightly more than the employees.

According to BSI, "The Telecommunication Industry is slightly lower on corporate appeal, leadership and belonging and significantly lower on job design and working conditions. This has a marked effect on engagement which is significantly lower than in the other industries. The job design in the telecommunication industry is characterised by significant lower autonomy than the average, lower levels of employee participation, less interesting and challenging tasks, less possibilities to take on more responsibility, and less learning opportunities. These aspects all have a strong impact on employee engagement and retention."

Overall, across all 1511 respondents, the survey returned the following results:

• 59.6 percent felt that decisions are made without prior information or consultation.
• 69.5 percent felt that they could do more than is expected of them.
• 63.3 percent felt that their skills are not used to the fullest extent.
• 46.1 percent would leave if I got a better offer.
• 41.2 percent consider trying to find a better job somewhere else.
• 38.2 percent agreed that they count on earning more money if they do good work.
• 49.3 percent feel that they have sufficient opportunities to advance their career.

Results for the telecoms industry were broadly similar, except that 69 percent felt that decisions are made without prior information or consultation and only 34 percent felt that they had sufficient opportunities to advance their career.