IT sector in good shape to recruit employees
Potential employees are attracted to sector that continually faces staff shortages
13 May 2015: New Zealand’s information technology (IT) and telecommunications sector has experienced a surge in attractiveness,
meaning more employees may be willing to enter an industry that continually struggles to attract top talent.
The Randstad Award employer branding research shows that the attractiveness of the IT and telecommunications sector
increased from 28.19% last year to 31.33% in 2015, making it the third most attractive sector in New Zealand, behind
education and training services and professional services.
Brien Keegan, Country Manager of Randstad New Zealand, says if the IT and telecommunications sector continues to grow
without addressing staff shortages, there will be consequences for the industry.
“We know that the IT and telecommunications sector is strong and expects growth in 2015, especially following central
Government’s announced intention to move a number of functions for businesses and households online.
“For many years the sector has struggled to fill staff shortages, and as the sector continues to grow, so will the need
to recruit employees. If the current trend continues, whereby the industry grows and the staff shortages increase, there
will be serious implications for the sector.”
The research, from HR and recruitment experts Randstad, also found that the IT and telecommunications sector has
reasonably high name awareness. This year 67% of potential employees recognised one or more companies operating within
the sector. The result is on par with last year’s findings, but a massive increase from 2012 and 2013’s results of 45%
and 53%, respectively.
“The IT and telecommunications sector is in the midst of a boom and there is a huge demand for staff to fill the
existing and future shortages. What this year’s results also make clear, is that the industry is in a good position to
recruit talent with potential employees indicating they are attracted to the sector and recognise companies within the
sector,” says Brien Keegan.
“The challenge for IT firms is to take advantage of the fact that potential employees want to enter the industry. In
order to recruit and retain the top talent firms who both specialise in IT or require an IT specialist need to ensure
that they have strong recruitment measures in place and take advantage of research, such as the Randstad Award employer
branding research, to understand what potential employees want from an employer.”
Five years since the first Randstad employer survey was undertaken, the most important criteria for New Zealanders when
choosing an employer continues to be salary and employee benefits, according to 21% of respondents. This was followed by
pleasant working atmosphere (10%), good work-life balance (10%), long-term job security (12%) and interesting job
content (11%).
The IT and telecommunications sector scored highly when it came to salary and employee benefits, career progression
opportunities and good work-life balance.
The sector was the most attractive sector for men and those aged between 25 to 44 years. The research also revealed that
North Islanders are more interested in the IT and telecommunications sector than their South Island counterparts.
ENDS