Tech Talent, Unleashed | Comstock’s magazine

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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.

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