The retention of IT workers could be improved if businesses provided them with better career development opportunities, a new survey has suggested.

Over 50 per cent of IT professionals claimed that there is not enough scope at their current company for career progression, Hays IT Technology said.

As well as providing employees with opportunities and challenges, other benefits which could improve talent retention of IT workers include pensions, bonuses and private medical insurance.

Some employers, however, said that training courses and flexible benefits had little impact on their retention strategies, despite many workers suggesting that they find these favourable.

Commenting on the results, Richard Horrocks, director of IT contracting at Hays IT, said: "Candidates are naturally more cautious and less inclined to change jobs, so will be scrutinising remuneration and benefits, job security and enhanced career prospects more closely."

Talent management may also become increasingly important during the recession. Recent research by Bersin & Associates found that organisations which integrate talent management were 28 per cent less likely to initiate a major layoff.

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