Most technology companies (92%) say that providing flexible work arrangements, such as scheduling and remote work, is important for retaining employees, according to the newly released Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® Future of Work Study. This is the highest level ever recorded since the study was first conducted in 2017.
The study explores current and future workforce issues in the technology industry. This year’s study shows how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the ways Americans work and describes which trends are expected to last. The study also looks at ways employers are recruiting new talent in a competitive job market.
“Technology companies are leading the evolution of the way we work—developing innovative solutions that help us all work better, smarter and happier,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “As workforce needs continue to evolve, technology companies are prioritizing flexible work arrangements to retain and attract talent.”
“With increasing competition for talent, technology companies, both large and small, are expanding efforts to identify and recruit candidates,” said Jacqueline Black, director of membership, CTA. “To help address the skills gap, employers are investing in a wider variety of resources to train and prepare workers with in-demand skills of the future.”
Tech Companies Embrace Hybrid and Remote Work
More companies (45%) are offering designated telework/work from home day(s). The majority (80%) of companies recognize the benefits of a hybrid work environment for their employees and will continue hybrid work as part of their long-term plans. Companies will also continue to offer remote work opportunities, with 82% conducting more job interviews remotely and 49% hiring more employees to work remotely.
As Tech Roles Grow, Companies Still Face Challenges Finding Skilled Workers
Technology companies (80%) continue to face difficulty finding candidates with the right skills and abilities today, and 44% expect that it will only get harder to find skilled candidates. Specifically, companies (83%) are looking for more employees with technical skills. The technical skills most in demand are project management (62%), data analytics (58%) and engineering (51%).
Employers Invest in Training Programs to Prepare Employees with In-Demand Skills
To find and recruit skilled candidates, more than three-quarters of respondents (77%) will hire employees who meet their skill requirements, regardless of education level, and 30% will hire from train-to-hire programs such as apprenticeships and bootcamps. To prepare new employees and retain experienced workers, most companies (94%) offer some form of training and professional development programs.
CES 2022 will feature sessions on the future of work, such as “Technologies Enabling the Hybrid Workplace.” Register at CES.tech.