SOUTHFIELD For the first time in about five years chief information officers are paying more attention to retaining key IT workers a harbinger that developers, programmers, database administrators and security professionals are entering a sellers market.

In a national poll conducted by Robert Half Technology of some 1,400 CIOs from companies that employ 100 or more employees, 58 percent said keeping their best people is becoming critical as the economy gains momentum.

It is starting to shift towards a sellers market, like it was in the late 1990s, said Jason Haughton, branch manager for Robert Halfs Southfield office. Were finding more and more that even our employees are finding opportunities on their own. Its getting harder to retain our staff, which has forced us to increase compensation.

The hottest demand is for dot net developers, programmers, Oracle developers, database administrators, security professionals, including network security. Individuals with these skill sets and experience are highly in demand in both East and West Michigan, Haughton said.

Haughton said pay increases to retain key technology workers are ranging from 3 to 7 percent.

Show them the money, was one of the suggestions also offered by Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half
Technology, for motivating and retaining IT professionals. She said a competitive compensation and
benefits package sends the message to employees that you
place a fair value on their work.

Others include:

Make it personal. Customize training and career planning
to each employee’s strengths and interests. Does he or she
desire a management track or more hands-on work developing
applications?

Send in reinforcements. Many IT professionals have had to
do more with less as a result of leaner workforces and
budgets. Bringing in additional support and helping staff
prioritize projects during busy times can circumvent stress.

Empower employees. Demonstrate trust in your employees by
allowing them to implement their ideas and make strategic
decisions.

Offer praise. Acknowledge your team’s contributions.
Simple actions such as recognition during a staff meeting
or writing a thank-you note can go a long way toward
improving morale.

Robert Half Technology provides technology professionals with skills that range from web development and
multiplatform systems integration to network engineering and
technical support.