Using the cloud to retain top IT talent

Recruiting the right tech talent for your organisation isn't easy. Strategies must be put into place to ensure IT talent is satisfied at the company.

"Generation Y employees are known for a lack of employer loyalty, so instead of giving them a reason to think about how the grass is always greener elsewhere, keep your own pastures green to ensure they keep their talents within your organisation," says Jeff Ton, executive VP of Product and Service Development for Bluelock.

One way to do this, he adds, is to ensure that IT talent has the time and freedom to work on projects that provide tangible value to the business. "Let your talent actually use their unique talent - the reason you hired them in the first place. Too often, IT departments are tied up in monotonous, routine daily tasks that most may find unchallenging and uninspiring. This type of work directly impacts employees as it pertains to burnout and employee retention."

There is no doubt that cloud has gone mainstream, with the majority of businesses using it in one way or another. "What companies are finding surprising is that, as a by-product of this redistribution, IT teams are freed up to focus on projects that are far more valuable to the company. After moving to the cloud, employees who didn't have capacity to focus on anything other than immediate projects that kept the lights on, become invigorated and feel better about their role in the business."

The discussion of reallocating projects and apps into the cloud can be daunting from a CIO perspective, he explains. As a leader, you fear that your IT team will see this transition as the removal of their jobs because 'cloud' can be interpreted as a softer term for 'outsourcing'.

In reality, the cloud to remove time-consuming tasks can increase employee satisfaction because it unburdens the IT team to focus on more innovative projects. "However, employees must be able to see themselves in the new reality. Let's face it; it always comes down to WIIFM (what's in it for me). No matter what strategies are implemented, IT leaders that can paint a picture of the future and what it means for the individual team members will be able to retain their top talent."

"With the right strategies it is possible to create an environment that attracts talent and keep them engaged once they are in your doors," he concludes. "The Foosball table and beer fridge may look cool to an incoming candidate, but what they are really seeking is the opportunity to excel and learn. Leverage strategies that reduce the mundane, create learning opportunities, and enable the IT pro to see their impact on your organisation."