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In IT world, it's more than pay that keeps employees motivated, survey shows

IT workers value more than just dollars, Computerworld survey shows

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Some companies are not just spouting smoke when they say their employees are their greatest asset. One need only review the latest “100 Best Places To Work in IT” from Computerworld to find proof that some companies truly value their workers and take steps beyond salary to keep them.

Let’s take a look at survey results from the companies based in the Carolinas and Georgia that cracked the list for some insight as to why the employees themselves gave their bosses high marks when asked why they want to work there.

Quintiles (No. 16): “Employees at all levels are eligible for cash bonuses under the company’s Performance Incentive Plan.” But the company also wants IT employees to know their opinions and goals are important. “In a recent internal employee survey, 97% of U.S.-based IT staffers said they think the company’s mission and the work that employees do is important, and 87% said their work gives them a sense of accomplishment.”

Michelin North America (No. 18): “IT workers, in particular, have an opportunity to work on global projects that have strategic impact on Michelin’s business results.” Of course, flexible work hours, telecommuting and other perks help, too. But value and opportunity are essential. According to Computerworld, Michelin ranked No. 1 for career development and No. 7 for retention.

SAS (No. 19): Beyond the well-known benefits of SAS such as on-site health care and day care, other plums include flex time, comp time for on-call employees and time off to attend family events.

Southern Company (No. 28): Nearly 1,000 IT workers can telecommute if they wish, and 300 do. Career training is stressed. And check this out: Through an intellectual property program, “employees learn the patent process, help protect the company’s intellectual property and become eligible for cash awards.”

Aflac (No. 29): There’s much more to this company than wonderfully funny commercials. “The company provides paid time off for employees to participate in some community volunteer events, including helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity.” It’s the human thing to do!

Palmetto Health (No. 30): “At IT department town hall meetings, the CIO engages in question-and-answer sessions to allow workers to voice concerns and opinions and to help them gain a deeper understanding of decisions that affect their work environment.” The company also offers an internal Leadership Development Institute.

Red Hat (No. 95): The Linux software leader “encourages IT workers to contribute to open-source projects – frequently during working hours.” Open source doesn’t survive without these kinds of efforts, and people in the Linux world are in many ways a breed apart. As Computerworld noted the Red Hat encouragement helps “drive innovation not only for Red Hat but others as well.” The IT group strives to build a “team environment” while also recognizing that people have lives outside of the office,

Now ask yourself a question: Why do you want to work where you are employed – or why would you want to work somewhere else?

The Skinny

WRAL Local Tech Wire Publisher and Editor Rick Smith dishes out tidbits from the local technology sector. Read more articles…