Training
is by far the most important benefit provided by employers according to a
survey of IT staff.
Of
the 100 IT professionals surveyed by learning specialists The Training Camp, 51
per cent said training subsidies were more important to them than employer
pension contributions and even bonus payments.
When
asked to rate benefits of least worth, 28 per cent singled out gym and health
club membership, just behind travel insurance cover at 32 per cent.
"As
the tentative recovery in the IT jobs market gathers momentum, employers will
need to work harder to retain their most valued staff. This survey provides a
useful insight into what motivates technology professionals. The clear
conclusion to be drawn from the results is that most staff are far more
motivated by the desire to keep their professional skills up-to-date than their
bank account in credit or muscles toned," said Robert Chapman, co-founder
of The Training Camp UK.
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"Bosses
worried that key workers will defect, armed with their newly-acquired skills,
to a key competitor need not be overly concerned. According to our survey, 75
per cent of respondents that have received advanced training stayed loyal to
their current employer," added Chapman.