Why the tech industry is leading the way in the happiness stakes
The tech sector is having its glory day as far as happiness levels go, with survey after survey finding it in the top rankings. Glassdoor research into the 10 happiest roles in 2022 revealed half to be in tech. Meanwhile, the 2021 Savoy Stewart Job Index ranked the technology sector fourth in the happiness stakes whilst the Indeed Work Happiness Score survey, completed by 5.5 million, put IT roles fifth.
Jonathan Sanderson, Managing Director at Corecom Consulting, takes a look at the statistics to find out what is driving the high happiness score.
‘Covid was a time of great change for our society and businesses found themselves having to be incredibly nimble to adapt to the ever-changing environment and policies that came with it. Standing still meant going under and that just wasn’t an option. For tech, due to the nature of our industry, the change to remote working happened fairly smoothly without the fall out that many other sectors had to deal with – and with that came a move towards more flexible working as employees found themselves juggling their home life alongside their work demands.’
As the threat of Covid subsided, the government urged businesses to get back into the office. The tech sector, however, capitalised on the many benefits of flexible working and developed ‘flexible working policies’ that enabled them to offer employees alternatives to the traditional office based 9.00am – 5.00pm (or more commonly 8.00am – 7.00pm) work day.
Despite the anxiety and reluctance around remote working, employers and their staff in the IT industry found the scenario a win-win and decided to embed it in their working practice. As a result, employees are able to claw back valuable personal time and save money as the dreaded commute diminishes. Moreover, flexible working empowers staff to work the hours that fit their schedules and take best advantage of their productivity levels.
‘We know that a happy workforce makes a return with regard to higher retention rates, greater creativity and boosted engagement, all of which generate business wellbeing and, of course, improved profits’ says Jonathan. ‘So, it’s in our interest to boost the happiness of our workforce. For us at Corecom that means remote working where wanted, flexible working policies that put autonomy over the workday into the hands of our colleagues, enhanced staff benefits, continuous personal development opportunities and, of course, a CSR ethos that runs throughout our practice.’
Research into career happiness echoes these sentiments. The Indeed Work Happiness Score survey measures against a number of factors ranging from trust and empowerment through to flexibility and pay. Similarly, Glassdoor research scores against job satisfaction, job openings and earnings. With tech scoring a minimum of 4.1 out of 5 for job satisfaction and roles commanding a median salary upwards of £45k, it’s clear to see why the tech sector is steaming ahead in the happiness stakes.
My hope for the future is to experience women in technology as the norm. The early stages of my career in tech were shaped by women and I feel very privileged to count some of the best women in technology in my network of close contacts and friends. However, I know this isn’t the case for many women in the sector, who find themselves outnumbered by the opposite sex. Anything I can do to challenge the current norm and break the stigma for Women in Technology, I will do.
