The tech workforce experienced unprecedented change and challenges in 2021. From more permanent work-from-home and hybrid office trends to inroads made in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Community has been tracking—and responding to—the year in technology careers.
The community published several resources and guides last year, including Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Plan for Technology SMBs, HR Manager's Guide to Hiring IT Pros, and 5 Tips for Hiring Without Unconscious Bias. Now it’s time to look ahead. We asked several ATTD members to provide a workforce prediction for 2022. Here’s what they had to say. Note: Predictions are the personal opinions of the individual council members and do not represent the views of the ATTD Community as a whole or the members’ respective employers.
The Great Resignation Will Lead to Fairer, Equal Opportunities and Support
“In 2022, I think we are going to see expectations of organizational leadership and middle managers shift to being increasingly more people-first, empathy-forward, and encouraged to participate in on-going learning related to DE&I in the quest to better support, empower and retain our present and future workforce. The Great Resignation of 2021 is in full effect, and we’ve arrived in a candidates’ market. As a hiring manager, the candidates I’ve interviewed have raised topics such as mentorship and coaching, career mobility opportunities, support for underrepresented and minoritized groups, fair compensation, and work life balance. This talent pool is asking for an environment to help them thrive, and are determined and selective in where, how, and who they choose to work with.” – Ashley J. Martinez, Supervisor, Digital Experience, TD SYNNEX.
A Strong, Continued Push to Keep the DEI Conversation Going
“I think that the high level of sensitivity to DEI is or has dramatically slowed down because many think we have made real progress or there is no need to keep the foot on the gas to keep the conversations and change happening. We have to continue to push hard, and we’ll see a lot more of that in 2022. We need to keep the dialog open to not allow this to become a fad and disappear. It is far too important!” – Corey Kirkendoll, president and CEO, 5K Technical Services
Increased Transparency Brings More Accountability
“It’s been almost two years since business leaders released public statements committing to equity and taking a stand against racial and social injustice. Promises were made to invest in organizational change, supplier diversity, and organizations leading the charge on social movements. I believe that today’s leaders are being held to a higher standard and 2022 will bring about more accountability and pressure to be transparent about progress beyond performative action. Clients/customers/(perspective) employees will expect to see the data behind reported results and will respond accordingly.” – Yvette Steele, senior director of member communities, CompTIA
IT Hiring Pendulum Swings Toward Experience, Certifications
“For 2022, I’ll be watching to see the pendulum swing for IT certifications vs. education vs. experience. Companies will recognize the increased security risks brought on by working remotely, and security professionals, in all areas, will be in high demand. My die is cast towards experience being the weighing factor for hiring this year. Companies will not have the luxury of time to take a chance on someone who may or may not perform. If you don’t have experience, then certifications will be the golden ticket. Certifications, at the very least, show you’ve studied and have been proven to know what you should know through a verifiable exam.” – Nichelle Downing, Information System Security Officer, VA Healthcare System Enterprise Security Operations
Continue reading: https://connect.comptia.org/blog/tech-talent-and-diversity-predictions-for-2022
The community published several resources and guides last year, including Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Plan for Technology SMBs, HR Manager's Guide to Hiring IT Pros, and 5 Tips for Hiring Without Unconscious Bias. Now it’s time to look ahead. We asked several ATTD members to provide a workforce prediction for 2022. Here’s what they had to say. Note: Predictions are the personal opinions of the individual council members and do not represent the views of the ATTD Community as a whole or the members’ respective employers.
The Great Resignation Will Lead to Fairer, Equal Opportunities and Support
“In 2022, I think we are going to see expectations of organizational leadership and middle managers shift to being increasingly more people-first, empathy-forward, and encouraged to participate in on-going learning related to DE&I in the quest to better support, empower and retain our present and future workforce. The Great Resignation of 2021 is in full effect, and we’ve arrived in a candidates’ market. As a hiring manager, the candidates I’ve interviewed have raised topics such as mentorship and coaching, career mobility opportunities, support for underrepresented and minoritized groups, fair compensation, and work life balance. This talent pool is asking for an environment to help them thrive, and are determined and selective in where, how, and who they choose to work with.” – Ashley J. Martinez, Supervisor, Digital Experience, TD SYNNEX.
A Strong, Continued Push to Keep the DEI Conversation Going
“I think that the high level of sensitivity to DEI is or has dramatically slowed down because many think we have made real progress or there is no need to keep the foot on the gas to keep the conversations and change happening. We have to continue to push hard, and we’ll see a lot more of that in 2022. We need to keep the dialog open to not allow this to become a fad and disappear. It is far too important!” – Corey Kirkendoll, president and CEO, 5K Technical Services
Increased Transparency Brings More Accountability
“It’s been almost two years since business leaders released public statements committing to equity and taking a stand against racial and social injustice. Promises were made to invest in organizational change, supplier diversity, and organizations leading the charge on social movements. I believe that today’s leaders are being held to a higher standard and 2022 will bring about more accountability and pressure to be transparent about progress beyond performative action. Clients/customers/(perspective) employees will expect to see the data behind reported results and will respond accordingly.” – Yvette Steele, senior director of member communities, CompTIA
IT Hiring Pendulum Swings Toward Experience, Certifications
“For 2022, I’ll be watching to see the pendulum swing for IT certifications vs. education vs. experience. Companies will recognize the increased security risks brought on by working remotely, and security professionals, in all areas, will be in high demand. My die is cast towards experience being the weighing factor for hiring this year. Companies will not have the luxury of time to take a chance on someone who may or may not perform. If you don’t have experience, then certifications will be the golden ticket. Certifications, at the very least, show you’ve studied and have been proven to know what you should know through a verifiable exam.” – Nichelle Downing, Information System Security Officer, VA Healthcare System Enterprise Security Operations
Continue reading: https://connect.comptia.org/blog/tech-talent-and-diversity-predictions-for-2022
