July 16, 2012 // By: Heather McIlvaine // Beer, iPad, or Flexibility: Which Incentives Work?
But what happens when the gifts stop coming? Once these sought-after IT stars sign with a particular company, what will convince them to stay? A lifetime-supply of new bikes probably won’t do it. According to Steven Greenhouse, labor and workplace reporter for The New York Times, companies looking to retain staff should focus on offering flexible work hours, telecommuting options, financing for training and education, and career support.
Brigette McInnis-Day, vice president of Human Resources at SAP America, agrees: “We built an environment that provides employees the flexibility they need to be successful in both their professional and personal lives.” She goes on to emphasize SAP’s focus on diversity, respect for individuals, and support for personal career development. These values will serve SAP well in the coming years, as demand for skilled IT workers continues to grow.
It is estimated that by 2018, there will be around 1.4 million tech-related job openings in the U.S., but only 400,000 qualified graduates to fill them. In that kind of job market, IT professionals will have their pick of employers. History shows they’ll be more likely to choose a “top workplace” over any other. What do you think? What qualities convinced you to work for your current employer?