Survey finds frustration among information technology workers

From wire reports

CHICAGO -- One-in-five information technology (IT) workers said they are dissatisfied in their current positions and one-third said they plan to find a new job in 2006, according to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey.

Workers cite an unmanageable workload, dissatisfaction with pay, and a lack of effective leadership as the leading factors influencing their decisions to look for new opportunities this year. The survey, "Job Forecast 2006 -- IT," was conducted from Nov.15-Dec. 6.

Employers can expect to see more "Inbox Full" messages when contacting their tech people as 61 percent of IT workers said their workload has increased over the last six months, and close to half said their workload is unmanageable.

It is not surprising that nearly 3-in-10 are dissatisfied with the balance between work and home.

Compensation is weighing heavily on the minds of IT workers. Only 20 percent said they received a raise of more than 5 percent last year, and two-thirds did not receive a bonus. Forty-eight percent of IT workers said they are not happy with their pay overall.

IT workers also voiced concern regarding their corporate leadership and the programs they offer employees. Thirty-eight percent are not happy with the way their corporate leaders are running the organization; and 25 percent are dissatisfied with their direct supervisors.

More than one-third of IT workers feel their employer could offer more career advancement opportunities, while 30 percent would like to see more emphasis on training and development.

"IT is one of the top areas hiring managers say they will be recruiting for in 2006," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.com. "With the labor market becoming more competitive, hiring managers may need to rethink their recruitment and retention strategies."

CareerBuilder.com sees more than 4.8 million job searches in IT every month and offers IT employers multiple touch points to connect with potential employees.