Hays, the world's leading recruitment and workforce solutions specialist, has revealed that 60% of tech professionals are planning to change employers or transition into contracting within the next year, according to insights from its new global report, The Tech Talent Explorer.
At the same time, Hays’ broader global workforce trends data revealed that 78% of organisations reported experiencing skills shortages over the past year. This combination of employee mobility and persistent talent gaps suggests mounting global competition for skilled tech professionals.
Key findings:
- 53% of permanent tech professionals intend to change organisation in the next 12 months
- 8% plan to move into contracting to capitalise on high demand
- 86% of permanent tech specialists and 83% of contractors are open to working for an organisation based abroad
- 50% are willing to relocate internationally
Based on talent market analytics and insights from almost 10,000 tech professionals across 32 countries, the report identifies key motivators for changing roles, including job security (51%), better career progression (42%) and recognition and appraisal (32%). These findings highlight the importance of organisations demonstrating a clear commitment to employee development and long-term career growth. With the candidate market still favourable and tech professionals increasingly aware of their value, organisations must adopt more strategic approaches to attracting and retaining key skills.
The report also highlights the global mobility of tech talent. A significant majority of professionals are open to working for international employers, with 87% of tech specialists in permanent roles and 83% of contractors willing to work for an organisation based abroad for their next role, and 50% open to relocating to another country. This presents an opportunity for organisations to tap into global talent pools, especially in regions where local supply is limited.
The Tech Talent Explorer is an interactive tool designed for senior technology leaders seeking a competitive edge in talent strategy. It enables users to explore data on the availability, location and expectations of in-demand tech professionals, including salary and contracting rate benchmarks. By revealing what tech professionals value most—beyond just compensation—The Tech Talent Explorer enables organisations to make data-driven decisions around talent attraction, helping them to enhance their employment proposition, particularly in competitive markets and when operating under budget constraints.
When broken down by skill area, the data reveals that two thirds (67%) of experts in AI, Machine Learning and Robotic Process Automation are set to explore new opportunities. Similarly, 57% of Cybersecurity, Testing, and Network Engineering professionals are considering a move. In contrast, Technical and Solutions Architect professionals are the least likely to want away from their current employer as under half (46%) stated their attention to look elsewhere – this could be due to the nature of these roles, which often involve longer-term projects for which professionals will likely want to oversee the results.
James Milligan, Global Head of STEM at Hays says:
“The global tech talent landscape continues to undergo significant transformation. With over half of tech professionals actively considering a move, and many open to working across borders, the competition for skilled talent is intensifying at a time when businesses are already struggling to attract and retain key skills.
“The findings from our study highlight the importance of effective employer branding and the need for organisations to optimise their employment proposition by truly understanding what professionals value the most in a potential employer.
“The Tech Talent Explorer equips organisations with the insights they need to respond strategically. By aligning their offering with the expectations of today’s tech workforce, businesses can build compelling, targeted propositions that attract and retain the talent critical to innovation and growth.
“Upskilling is also a crucial part of this equation. Offering development opportunities not only strengthens internal capabilities but also signals a clear commitment to long-term career growth, making organisations more attractive to top tech talent.”
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The Hays Tech Talent Explorer research was completed in early 2025 and features talent market analytics across 32 countries and input from almost 10,000 tech professionals worldwide. The report allows users investigate the costs, availability, plans, desires, and skills priorities of IT/Tech professionals (permanent and contracting) across markets globally.
Access the report here.