Report commissioned by Amadeus shows that a quarter (25%) of US tech professionals feel more investment in their training is needed
Nearly half (43%) plan to switch jobs within the next five years
54% chose ‘being innovative’ as the most important factor when selecting an employer, ahead of salary (51%).
The technology industry in the United States (US) is a rapidly evolving sector, driving innovation and economic growth while continuously adapting to emerging technologies and a shifting workforce. Leading travel technology provider, Amadeus, today unveils findings from a new independent global study, Innovating the Culture of Tomorrow, which reveals that over a third (34%) of tech professionals in the US believe they will have to change their careers or reskill more than three times to stay ahead of evolving technology. As a result, nearly half (43%) plan to switch jobs within the next five years, comparable to the global average of 42%.
The Secret to Happiness in Tech is a Culture of Innovation
Technology professionals ranked "innovation" as the top priority when choosing a potential employer, surpassing salary as the most important factor. This underscores the significant and growing demand for intangible benefits that foster job satisfaction and encourage creativity. When evaluating their workplace, tech professionals at companies they deem innovative are significantly more content, with a striking 48% reporting a high level of job satisfaction. This is more than double the number of those who consider their companies less innovative, of which only 21% claim to feel "very happy" at work. Additionally, 32% of tech workers at companies not perceived as innovative said they were considering leaving in the next year.
Creating the right working conditions is essential for nurturing innovation. The top factors identified as most conducive to promoting innovation include innovative technology and having the appropriate physical workspace and tools, each cited by 54% of respondents. Additionally, having a quiet space to concentrate was highlighted by 50% of respondents. In contrast, the least effective factors for fostering innovation in the workplace are environments with a lot of noise or a buzzy atmosphere, noted by only 11%, and recreational activities, cited by 29%.
"The 'Innovating the Culture of Tomorrow' study reaffirms that innovation is the driving force for enterprises, especially in the technology sector experiencing profound changes," states Professor James Berry, Founder of the UCL MBA. "Creativity and innovation are catalyzed by a diverse array of ideas, a workforce with critical skills, and an openness to ongoing learning."
Flexibility and Career Development Are Key to Winning Tech Talent
Tech professionals seek a supportive work environment that offers opportunities for growth within their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Aside from financial incentives, flexible working hours were the most valued factor in retaining US tech professionals, with 49% ranking it as the top priority. Whether through a hybrid model or remote working, offering flexibility is a crucial driver of job satisfaction and is now viewed as a core expectation.
Close behind, 47% chose both career progression and training in new technologies as key incentives to stay with their current employer. Employees value visible opportunities for growth, as focused training (42%) was prioritized considerably above reduced workload (24%), feeling cared for as an individual (35%), and achieving a better work-life balance (35%). This underscores the importance of cultivating a workplace culture that not only adapts to employees' needs but also actively invests in their future.
"Flexibility is just one piece of the puzzle when thinking about achieving true employee engagement. It requires a comprehensive approach that spans career development, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment,” comments Robert Ortiz, Head of People and Culture at Amadeus North America. “As we cultivate this holistic culture, we not only retain top talent but also encourage a sense of belonging that drives innovation and productivity. By recognizing employees as individuals and fostering a positive, people-first experience, we build a workplace where talent feels valued and empowered to grow.”
The Future for Tech Workers
Organizations must prioritize adaptability and employee engagement to thrive in this era of rapid change. By embracing innovation, investing in ongoing training, and fostering a supportive culture, companies will be in a better position to retain talent and excel amidst the competition.
Methodology: Opinium Research questioned 2,200 technology professionals from eight markets – India, France, Spain, Turkey, Colombia, Philippines, United States and the United Kingdom – in the third quarter of 2024. Respondents were aged from 18-55+ and were employed in a representative cross-section of technology professions. Open questions were analyzed by Mercury Analytics.
About Amadeus: Amadeus makes the experience of travel better for everyone, everywhere by inspiring innovation, partnerships and responsibility to people, places and planet. Our technology powers the travel and tourism industry. Inspiring more open ways of working. More connected ways of thinking, centered around the traveler. Our open platform connects the global travel and hospitality ecosystem. From startups to big industry players and governments too. Together, redesigning the travel of tomorrow. We are working to make travel a force for social and environmental good. A collective responsibility to protect and improve the people and places we visit, ensuring travel continues to make a positive contribution to our world. We apply innovation to meet new needs, to solve real challenges. Our truly diverse global workforce, made up of 150 nationalities, is passionate about travel and technology. We are an IBEX 35 company, listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under AMS.MC. We have also been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last 11 years. Amadeus. It’s how travel works better. Learn more about Amadeus at www.amadeus.com.
