This story is part of our November 2024 issue. To subscribe, click here.

The landscape of modern work is changing, particularly for technology workers. As the world emerges from the pandemic, a new breed of tech professionals is redefining the norms of employment, driven by a desire for flexibility, continuous learning and meaningful projects. Likewise, tech workers and employers may struggle to navigate a tectonic shift in productivity fueled by AI. As a founding partner of an international executive search firm, I’ve seen this firsthand and offer my advice for staying ahead of the curve.  

How to stay relevant as a tech worker

Tech workers shouldn’t balk at artificial intelligence — instead, they should utilize the tools that are at their disposal. The average software engineer today needs to leverage AI to be significantly more productive. AI tools and technologies can automate repetitive tasks, provide insights from vast amounts of data and enhance decision-making processes. By embracing AI, tech workers can focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work, ultimately increasing their productivity and value to the organization.

In the fast-paced world of technology, staying relevant is crucial. The next generation of tech workers is constantly upgrading their technical skills, driven by a desire to remain competitive and grow their income. They actively seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through online courses, certifications, or hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that they are always at the forefront of industry advancements.

In the coming years, more countries and people will gain access to the internet, accelerating their tech skills and contributing to the global talent pool. Access to the internet will become ubiquitous, making online education more accessible than ever. Many of these educational resources are free, and formal remote education certification programs through platforms like Coursera, edX and Udacity can accelerate the ability of tech workers to remain competitive with the advances in technology.

How to attract (and retain) good tech employees

The pandemic forced many experienced tech workers to adapt to remote work, and they have now had a taste of the independence it offers. This newfound autonomy has led to a shift in preferences, with many tech professionals favoring project-based work over long-term employment with a single company. This trend is well articulated in Reid Hoffman’s book “The Alliance,” which emphasizes the importance of treating employees as allies in a mutually beneficial relationship rather than mere workers.

While tech workers are open to travel, many have found that they are most productive in their home offices. The elimination of daily commutes allows for better work-life balance and increased focus on tasks. Companies looking to attract top tech talent must recognize the importance of remote work options and create environments that support productivity from anywhere in the world. This shift not only reduces costs but also brings fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.

To capture the interest of these tech professionals, traditional job postings are no longer sufficient. Companies must go beyond listing job requirements and salaries. They need to sell their vision, the types of projects available and the team dynamics. Highlighting the impact of the projects, the technologies used and the collaborative environment can make a significant difference in attracting top talent. Showcasing success stories and testimonials from current employees can also provide valuable insights into the company culture.

A company should also emphasize its values. Today’s tech workers are not just looking for a paycheck; they want to know what the company stands for. Issues like DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and ESG (environmental, social and governance) are important to them.

Companies that prioritize these values and communicate them effectively are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
Lastly, outsourcing some requirements and hiring on a limited contract basis when necessary is becoming a reality. As corporations today face pressure to become leaner and more efficient, this approach allows companies to remain agile and responsive to market demands while optimizing costs. The next generation of tech workers is well-suited to this model, as they are comfortable with remote work and project-based engagements.

As more people gain access to the internet and remote education, the talent pool will continue to grow, providing opportunities for both tech workers and companies to thrive in this new era of work. 

Dave Sanders is a founding partner of an international executive search firm and works closely with emerging growth companies to build their executive teams, provide access to follow-on capital and mentor their leadership teams. He is a general partner in several seed-stage venture funds and a board member of the Sacramento Angels, as well as a board advisor for Clapself.com. With his corporate finance background at Intel and sales leadership experience at IBM, he brings large-company domain expertise to the companies he works with.

Stay up to date on business in the Capital Region: Subscribe to the Comstock’s newsletter today.