Intelligent CIO North America Issue 36 | Page 34

EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
DAN STERN , DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL SOLUTION ENGINEERING AT SPOT
BY NETAPP

To attract and then retain the best technical talent right now , one of the most important considerations is offering meaningful and engaging work that actually challenges those employees . Technologists , by their nature , are problem solvers . They thrive on puzzles and appreciate the chance to put their expertise to use in innovative ways .

Enterprises that provide technical employees with substantial and engaging problems to solve can greatly increase job satisfaction and loyalty in a competitive talent market .
Another crucial consideration is providing ample opportunities to learn new technologies .
For instance , they may express interest in exploring a new tool that could potentially improve a business process . Offering them a project to assess that tool would not only provide them with an opportunity to expand their knowledge , but also help them refine their critical thinking skills .
Support for public speaking engagements can be a tremendous boost for technical professionals . While not all are comfortable with public speaking , many appreciate the chance to share their knowledge and experiences . Offering these opportunities not only bolsters their confidence but also fosters a sense of belonging and validation – as they can see their contributions being recognized and appreciated by a broader audience .
Recognition is vital for every employee and technologists are no exception . Appreciating their work and showcasing their contributions can have a profound impact on their job satisfaction and commitment to the organization . Recognition can be in various forms , such as acknowledgment during team meetings , awards for outstanding performance or even a simple thank you note . Recognizing the impact of their work on various stakeholders such as customers , partners or fellow employees can go a long way in highlighting their achievements .
Additionally , organizations should encourage and support continued learning . Providing opportunities to learn more deeply about emerging technologies , such as AI , through seminars or conferences is appreciated and highly valuable .
Recognition is vital for every employee and technologists are no exception . Appreciating their work and showcasing their contributions can have a profound impact on their job satisfaction and commitment to the organization .
Finally , it ’ s important for enterprises to share the ‘ why ’ behind the work their technical employees are doing .
Technologists often work on complex problems and it ’ s essential for them to understand how their work contributes to the broader company objectives . By tying their tasks to the organization ’ s goals , they are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and ownership . That directly leads to increased engagement and loyalty .
In summary , attracting and retaining top technical talent right now involves creating an engaging , meaningful work environment that offers regular challenges , opportunities for learning and growth , recognition for their work and a clear understanding of how their contributions align with the company ’ s goals . These strategies can help enterprises stand out in the competitive landscape and ensure they attract and retain the very best technical talent .
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