Why most of Singapore's CIOs are Turning to Contract IT Workers
Matthieu Imbert-Bouchard, Managing Director, Robert Half Singapore
Matthieu Imbert-Bouchard, Managing Director, Robert Half Singapore
With more than half of Singapore’s CIOs (57 percent) already adding more temporary IT workers to their headcount, this increased flexibility is cited as the biggest driver, followed by difficulties sourcing permanent staff and speed of hiring contract workers. This modern approach to hiring brings added cost efficiencies, as well as providing employers with access to Singapore’s rapidly growing pool of skilled IT professionals who are targeting temporary opportunities.
Hiring temporary workers also gives CIOs and business leaders the option to evaluate employees before hiring them permanently. Given the costliness of a bad hire, starting a new employee on a temporary basis allows both the employee and employer to evaluate the match and cultural fit before making a long-term commitment.
A richer and more fulfilling career fortemporary IT workers
For contract IT workers themselves, the benefits of temporary work often outweighs the perceived downfalls, a key reason why many professionals in Singapore’s IT space are considering short-term contracts. It is certainly not uncommon for temporary work to lead to a permanent job. If organisations wish to convert a temporary worker to a permanent position, they already have the advantage of being familiar with the employees strengths first hand, highlighting the potential of temporary work turning into permanent work.
The IT space is also incredibly fast-paced. IT professionals understand, now more than ever, the security of their careers hinges on their ability and willingness to continually learn and adapt to changing environments and technology. Contract work not only demonstrates adaptability, but it gives IT professionals the chance to upskill themselves through exposure to a diverse range of business functions, industries, and projects. Temporary opportunities are also invaluable for developing those interpersonal skills too as temporary workers must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with many different personalities and levels of seniority.
Indeed, contract IT workers are set to become a more indespensible part of the workforce and industry then ever before.
