Among the factors that will make IT employees enjoy their jobs even better, the survey lists higher pay as the most important; followed by access to new technologies, and bonuses. Other benefits they find essential in enjoying their jobs include promotions, job security, car and housing plans. The IT professionals surveyed also identified cloud computing, information security, networking, programming, project management, and Web development as some of the IS skills they need to help further their careers.
On the other hand, 76% of respondents says better offer from another company is the major reason for an IS professional to leave his current job. It is a common knowledge that no employees would leave his current job unless he gets a really better opportunity somewhere else. Other essential reasons for an IS professional to leave his current job include the following: to advance to higher management role, professional development, low pay, nonmanagement advancement, and job-related reasons.
More Stress in the Workplace
When asked to describe the current level of stress in their organization, majority divulged that stress is still present with 45% saying the level of stress is increasing compared with the previous year, while 36% relayed they experienced same level of stress as last year's. Only 19% says the level of stress was reduced. Despite this, the vast majority of respondents were satisfied at work with nine out of 10 being either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their jobs. In contrast, only four percent were not satisfied with their jobs. In all levels of IS department, job performance was stable, according to 48%. It was improving for 46% but for a mere six percent, it was declining. On the other hand, the level of job satisfaction in the IS departments of a significant 63% was stable. While it was improving for 27%, the level of satisfaction for 10% was declining. The exposure to new technologies/ challenges and good relationship with management were the key factors that contributed most to the increase in satisfaction of IT professionals. Apart from these, increased authority/freedom in decision making and promotions/pay increase also help improve job satisfaction. On the other hand, the decline in job satisfaction was the result of work overload/no recognition, lack of leadership direction, understaffed/ downsizing, and lack of challenges and opportunities.
For more than half of the respondents, job satisfaction is more important as against the 45% who aim for career advancement. Villao, who prefers job satisfaction says, "it is hard to advance once you're not satisfied with your job. Career advancement will just be the effect of job satisfaction." Most IT professionals are currently experiencing an increasing number of responsibilities or workloads that they have to accomplish in their day-to-day operations. They have to keep up with their actual duties while spending time to learn and implement the added responsibilities.