In a time of dynamic change, the IT sector is constantly evolving and the job market in this industry is adapting to new challenges. But what specific changes are taking place? Is the golden age of the IT industry really over? How is artificial intelligence affecting the industry’s labour market? What factors are likely to improve or worsen the market? On the topic of IT jobs, we put 5 questions to Konrad Weiske, Vice President of SoDA.
1 What is the current labour market situation in the IT industry? Is this the end of a golden period?
During the pandemic, many companies invested in digital transformation and, as a result, there was a very high demand for IT services, which resulted in the aforementioned ‘golden period’ in the labour market – specialists could choose from a wide range of offers, and employers competed strongly for the employee by offering large increases or further benefits.
The global economic downturn has taken its toll on investments in the digitalisation of businesses – these have been depressed and the number of outsourced projects has declined. This, in turn, has had a negative impact on the rate of hiring or changes in salary levels. After a period of large increases between 2020 and 2022, a re-balance has emerged, which I believe will last until more money is back in the IT market.
2. are IT companies currently willing to recruit and train less experienced staff, or are they focusing on finding specialists?
In an environment of lower demand for IT services than in previous years, employees with the competences to implement projects quickly and cost-effectively, such as public cloud specialists, are in demand. In addition, in an environment of fierce competition for customers, companies are trying to implement projects by reducing costs, which makes it difficult to train less experienced employees. These factors may make IT companies less willing to seek candidates with little experience.
3. how does the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning affect the IT job market?
Artificial intelligence is so far not significantly affecting the industry’s labour market. Contrary to popular belief, AI is not replacing programmers or taking away their jobs, but is only having a positive impact on labour productivity and the speed of projects. AI enables developers to reduce the number of time-consuming activities.
4 What are the future prospects in terms of the IT labour market situation?
The labour market situation is likely to change as digital transformation accelerates again. The question is: when is this likely to happen? In my opinion, it will happen in 2024 at the earliest, but it is difficult to estimate whether this will result in a return to the conditions we faced in the pandemic.
5. What factors are likely to improve or worsen the market situation?
The main factors will be a further decline or increase in demand for our services, which depends on how quickly the global economy rebounds. After all, it is no secret that IT services in our country are mostly exported outside Poland. The market situation may also improve as a result of customers adapting to new realities, e.g. finding savings in other areas and increasing spending on digital transformation.
