Video market update: How is the technology sector adapting and thriving through the crisis?

Across the globe, technology has facilitated the rapid switch to remote working in response to the Covid-19 health emergency. At Michael Page Technology, we continue to work closely with businesses across the UK looking to hire skilled professionals and individuals looking for new opportunities in the digital and technology sectors.

To ensure we are providing our customers with the best support and most up-to-date information on the recruitment landscape, we have pulled together this Q2 market update.

This update aims to cover some of the key hiring trends in the sector, including who is hiring and why, as well as touch on the future of tech and the shift in demand for skills in response to the Covid-19 crisis. 

You can view the full video outlining these trends by clicking above. 

Market trends: Who is recruiting?

The organisations we have been working with to hire talent can be defined by the fact that they are well funded, and benefit from decisive leadership. There are three categories of organisations who have continued to recruit throughout this period: 

1.    Organisations that are digitally native or digitally led
Organisations that fall into this category have been consistently recruiting throughout recent weeks if their product market fit is robust to the demands and challenges of the current crisis. For example, organisations such as those providing healthtech, edtech, or collaboration tools or services. Many of these organisations have increased their recruitment to meet demand and take market share.

2.    Large complex organisations, such as FTSE 250 businesses or Government organisations, that had a major transformation programme in flight prior to Covid-19
At the beginning of the crisis, many of these organisations paused recruitment to review their programmes. Now they have assessed the implications of not continuing the rollout, they have restarted sourcing the talent they need to move the programmes to the next phase.

3.    Organisations that have identified skills shortages in their teams 
Since the lockdown, businesses in this category have found shortfalls in their organisation around their digital workplace and/or digital route to customers. In order to accelerate their business on the road to recovery, these organisations are looking to find the right talent to rectify these shortcomings. 

Talent trends: What roles and skills are in demand? 

Networking and infrastructure – there was a spike in demand for these skills initially as organisations moved to remote working and looked to invest in the technology to facilitate that. It is expected that demand will be maintained as organisations look to transform to the ‘new normal’.

Software developers – there has been consistent demand for this skill set, as organisations are looking to maintain, if not enhance, their digital offering.

Data experts – as leaders look to better understand their data and make more informed decisions, data experts have been highly sought after. Using data to understand finances and customer segmentation is going to be critical to facilitating effective recoveries.  

Digital leaders – more recently, there has been an increase in demand for professionals who are able to transform businesses, look at digital offerings, or move to a more product-centric offering. This is to help ensure organisations are able to adapt to the next stage of their evolution.

If you would like to discuss the market insights we are able to provide in more detail, please get in touch. Whether you are a candidate looking for a new role or an employer looking to navigate the current market, we are here to support you.  

Alternatively, explore our Page Insights capabilities and request a bespoke report here. 

James Barrett
Regional Director, Michael Page Technology