December is here, and that means it’s time to start looking ahead to 2017. The IT industry changes at such a rapid pace, it’s important to stay tuned into trends to keep your organization in step with the sector as a whole. While it’s impossible to predict with 100% certainty just want to expect, here are some trends to keep an eye on as you plan for the New Year.
IT spending has been steadily increasing over the last several years, and watch for this trend to continue in 2017. According to Gartner, global spending will increase nearly 3% to $3.5 trillion. Their forecasts indicate that spending on software will increase 7.2% and IT services spending will rise 4.8%.
Tech Salaries Will Continue to Rise
As the demand for skilled IT workers continues to grow at a rapid pace, so will tech salaries across the board. The rate of growth will not be as high as we’ve seen over the last several years, but it is expected to outpace salary increases in all other sectors of the economy. Predictions indicate that IT salaries will increase nearly 4% in 2017.
IoT Staffing Challenges Ahead
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a hot topic for the last five years or so, but it has been difficult to predict just where things are going because the use cases vary so widely. Companies that are looking to take strategic advantage of IoT have struggled to staff these initiatives with highly-skilled experts. Security also remains a major concern for companies dipping their feet into IoT. Hiring teams must be certain that they understand exactly what they need when staffing for IoT and they must be tuned into the rapid advancements in wireless networks and connections to be sure they are hiring people with the precise skills needed to succeed.
Mobile Applications Will Come Under Attack
We are becoming increasingly dependent upon mobile technology, both personally and professionally. Hackers are starting to focus more and more attention on developing malware for mobile, especially because most security resources have historically been funneled into traditional malware protection, leaving mobile apps vulnerable. Forward-thinking companies would be wise to hire security professionals with expertise in mobile to stay one step ahead of those with ill intentions.
IT Talent Will Make Big Moves
According to a recent survey, lots of IT professionals are eyeing career moves in 2017. Their data shows that 37% of IT workers plan on looking for a new job next year and nearly 60% believe they are currently underpaid. Only 12% of respondents seeking to grow their careers expect the opportunity for a promotion from their current employer.
If you are looking for skilled tech talent and you want to improve your hiring strategies to keep up with the changes on the horizon in 2017, the IT recruiting experts at CSS can help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your hiring goals.