Top IT Job Candidates Seek “Superior” Access to Tech Tools, Training

Although today’s job candidates expect the latest in tech tools and training,

Intro: The majority of organizations are behind the curve when it comes to the digital transformation–and this could hurt recruitment efforts, according to a recent survey from Randstad US. The findings reveal that C-suite executives are likelier than department heads to have an inflated sense of confidence about their company’s ability to respond to tech challenges. By falling short, they may lose out on the talent race, as most job candidates seek access to the latest digital tools–along with the training needed to effectively use them. More than 2,690 employees and nearly 820 hiring decision-makers/department heads and C-suite execs took part in the research. The following slide show presents survey highlights, with charts provided courtesy of Randstad US.

When it comes to digital proficiency, 52 percent of companies are considered as “developing,” meaning they have made “little to no” progress toward digital transformation and are slow to embrace new technology. Only 10 percent are categorized as “superior,” meaning their digital transformation is considered “advanced” or “completed” and they maintain a high level of commitment to a digital future.

“Superior” digital companies are 28 percent more likely to report increasing revenues than developing ones. They are also considered four times more adaptive to changes inspired by digital technology than developing companies.

Survey findings indicate that 43 percent of C-suite execs believe their organizations’ digital transformation efforts are nearly completed or have already been completed. But only 17 pf percent of IT department heads agree.

One-quarter of C-suite execs said their company faces “no” challenges in implementing digital strategies. However, just 13 percent of department heads agree.

In evaluating a potential employer, 80 percent of job-seekers are influenced by a company’s use of the latest digital tools. More than seven of 10 take into account an organization’s digital leadership qualities.

A company’s “innovation culture” has also emerged as a leading influence on job seekers, as cited by 72 percent of employee respondents. In addition, 62 percent cite the potential employer’s reputation as a digital leader.

Randstad US reports that 76 percent of workers feel that today’s organizational leaders must drive a culture of innovation, learning and continuous improvement. The same percentage said it’s critical for these leaders to keep staffers connected and engaged.

Three-quarters of employees said today’s leaders must be more agile and digitally savvy in their use of tech tools to drive business success. Nearly as many said these leaders should drive a workplace culture in which employees are constantly building upon their skills to integrate new tech into the workplace.

More than seven of 10 workers said today’s leaders need to have “exceptional” knowledge and skills when it comes to collaboration and team building. Nearly two-thirds said they have to be adept at risk-taking.

Findings reveal that 58 percent of workers said their employers use the latest digital tools and platforms, but do not provide the training required to use them effectively. Subsequently, 55 percent of workers said they lack the skills needed today to be considered digitally savvy.