If you’re hiring in tech right now, you’ll know how intense the competition is. Finding great people is tough, but keeping them can feel even tougher. Rather than chasing an endless cycle of new hires, it pays to focus on what matters most: holding on to the talent you already have.
Why Retention Should Be Your Priority
Every time a skilled cybersecurity developer or cybersecurity specialist walks out the door, you lose more than just headcount. There’s the cost of recruitment, the time spent onboarding, and the loss of valuable product knowledge. A September 2024 survey by CIPD found that 41% of employers who hired in the previous 12 months said their new recruits always, mostly, or sometimes resigned within the first 12 weeks.
That level of turnover is costly and disruptive. Retaining your top performers isn’t just good practice – it’s a competitive advantage that protects your investment and keeps projects moving forward.
Why Today’s Tech Professionals Value
High salaries matter, but they aren’t the whole story. Talented IT professionals want:
- Clear career progression – defined pathways to grow their skills and take on more responsibility.
- Challenging, meaningful projects – work that keeps them engaged and proud of their impact.
- A positive company culture – where recognition, trust, and collaboration aren’t just buzzwords.
- Support for professional development – from certifications to conference attendance.
When these needs are met, your best people are far less likely to look elsewhere.
Practical Ways to Strengthen Retention
Small, consistent actions can make a big difference:
- Regular career check-ins: one-to-one conversations to understand ambitions and address concerns before they become exit interviews.
- Recognition programs: celebrate wins (big and small) to keep morale high and contributions visible.
- Tailored development plans: invest in technical training and leadership development so employees see a future with you.
- Open communications: share company goals and listen to feedback so staff feel informed and valued.
These steps build loyalty and reduce the disruption that comes with constant turnover.
Retention isn’t about clinging to staff at all costs. It’s about creating an environment where talented people want to stay, grow, and contribute their best work. When you invest in your team’s development and wellbeing, you’re not just saving on recruitment costs – you’re building a stronger, more resilient company.
At Reperio Human Capital, we help tech employers plan for the long term – pairing smart recruitment strategies with a deep understanding of what keeps great people engaged. Because in today’s market, keeping your best talent is the ultimate competitive edge.