Bosses struggle to recruit tech talent: survey

Their perception of the hiring challenge is higher than the global average.

Over nine out of ten, or 92% of Singaporean business leaders find it challenging to look for professionals skilled in the new technologies they will implement, the highest globally according to recruitment consultancy firm Robert Half.

The APAC and global average across 13 countries is at 80% and 71%, respectively.

Also read: 79% of CIOs burdened by search for IT professionals: survey

Nine out of ten (93%) of Singaporean leaders anticipated challenges in training staff to adapt to new technology, second to United Arab Emirates with 94% and higher than the global average of 78%.

They cited difficulty integrating with legacy systems and processes (39%), the effort or cost to implement new technologies being greater than the benefits (38%), and a belief that the technologies are unproved (36%) as the biggest barriers preventing their team to adapt to new technologies.

In addition, 17% said they do not feel confident that their organisations have the right leadership team to implement digital change, compared to 12% of bosses globally. They cited a lack of management support or interest (55%), lack of change management experience (47%) and lack of communication and technical know-how (39%).

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Meanwhile, over seven in ten or 73% of companies in Singapore have increased their staff training budgets. In comparison, 65% across APAC and 64% globally have done this.

Through this, three in five have implemented in-person training for adapting with technology through seminars and courses. Meanwhile, 42% have done mentoring, 38% held online courses, and 38% reimbursed their employees' professional certificate costs.