2012 IT Budgets up by 20% but Employer Fears Loom Regarding Losing IT Talent With Retention and Training Cited as Priorities for the First Time in 6 Years

BOCA RATON, Fla., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to two just-released surveys by Boca Raton-based Information Technology (IT) search and staffing firm, PROTECH, IT budgets and salaries continue to increase while employers show increased concern about losing their IT employees.

Average 2012 IT budgets increased to 10.2% from 8.5% in 2011.  The 10th Annual Tech Leadership survey also revealed 42% of Tech Leaders plan to increase IT staff this year (up by 13% compared to 2011).  And 57% of Tech Executives are concerned about losing top IT talent in 2012 (up by 14%).  The top reason continues to be compensation with a 58% response (up by 35% from 2011).

The number of companies offering professional development and technical training jumped to 88% in 2012 from 63% in 2011 (almost a 40% increase).  And for the first time since 2006, employee retention and training came up as key non-technology priorities for IT hiring executives.  "With IT employment at an all-time high, it's becoming an increasingly competitive landscape for employers to secure and retain top IT talent," stated Deborah Vazquez, PROTECH CEO. 

A marked shift is also taking place towards direct employment versus temp staffing in this year's survey, showing the balance of direct employees up by 21% compared to 2011.  "Employers are more confident about making longer term hiring decisions in IT which can further propel corporate growth and streamline operations," said Vazquez.

The 8th Annual Tech Talent survey showed the most important aspects when considering a job being salary; followed by stability, benefits, work-life balance and career growth.  Flextime/telecommuting was cited as the best perk offered by a past/present employer followed by bonuses (including sign-on, retention and annual bonuses). 

Employees received an average 2011 pay increase of 3.5% from the 2% they received in 2010.  "We are effectively now in an employee-driven market due to low unemployment in IT and specialized candidates weighing multiple job offers," said Vazquez.

PROTECH surveyed over 700 IT Director to CIO level executives for its 10th annual Tech Leadership Survey; and over 15,000 IT professionals for its 8th annual Tech Talent survey. All participants are located in Florida's Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

"We are pleased to be able offer our membership and the South Florida Tech community this valuable local IT market data depicting a strong IT economy in South Florida," said Jackie Metscher, SFTA Executive Director.

Additional survey highlights:

Economic Outlook: The number of Tech Executives who perceive the current health of the overall economy as "Getting Stronger" this year was 56% versus 53% in 2011.

The top three technology-related priorities for 2012 are "Infrastructure Upgrades" (38%); "Web site redesign" (23%); and "New Large Applications Development endeavor" (20%). 

56% of tech leaders reported the IT function being viewed as "critical" within their organizations (up from 50% in 2011).

About South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA)

The South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) promotes the growth, success and awareness of the South Florida technology community. Its member roster includes South Florida's leading high-tech, high-growth companies. Through events, networking, programs and education, the SFTA provides South Florida's technology-related organizations with an active forum to grow the business of technology. For more information about the SFTA, visit www.SouthFloridaTech.org

About PROTECH

PROTECH is a leading provider of IT staffing, placement and professional services for South Florida and tri-state New York employers with a guaranteed turn-around time of 48 hours for the most difficult to fill positions. For more information, visit www.protechfl.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

South Florida Technology Alliance
Jackie Fernandez, Executive Director
[email protected]
(954)239-9739

PROTECH
Deborah Vazquez, CEO
[email protected]
(561)953-8800

SOURCE South Florida Technology Alliance