5 keys to retaining talent in the IT industry

The technology industry is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history. Advances in artificial intelligence, automation, and cybersecurity are redefining the skills that companies need. At the same time, the corporate values that people look for when choosing where to work are also being updated. 

In this context, Retaining talent becomes a strategic objective for organizations. 

Moreover, in a labor market that registers high demand for specialized profiles, within a framework of global competition where the 92 % of the Latin American technology workforce They are open to international job offers.

The challenge is twofold, since in addition to a competition for talent that knows no borders, the IT industry is experiencing a constant gap between supply and demand. 

A gap that varies according to technological evolution and the retirement of those who possess knowledge that is no longer taught in universities, but which is absolutely necessary.

This situation can be observed especially among specialist profiles in mainframe administration, COBOL programming and system programmer, where there is currently a greater shortage and difficulty in hiring. 

One fact to keep in mind in the talent retention policies, considering that these roles are involved in almost the 70 % of production IT workloads of the world.

Given this dual challenge in the IT job market, this article shares five key strategies for retaining talent in an industry as competitive and dynamic as technology.

1. A coherent and authentic employee value proposition

A strong value proposition involves much more than a list of benefits. It's the cultural promise that connects with the organization's purpose. 

When people feel that what the company says and does is consistent and authentic, and is aligned with their own values and goals, retention becomes a natural consequence. 

Therefore, it is important to remember that An authentic value proposition is not built on speeches, but on everyday experiences.. 

It's also crucial to understand the unique characteristics of each sector. In the tech world, for example, talented people seek challenging projects, diverse environments, and a clear purpose. 

But, Each generation has different expectations and goals.. 

The junior profiles They need to identify with a dynamic proposal, constant challenges, accelerated learning, and a sense of impact. 

While seniors value autonomy, recognition of their career and value contribution, their influence on decision-making, and mentoring opportunities over younger generations.

At IT Patagonia, we prioritize transparent communication of the values, benefits, and professional development opportunities we offer as a company. 

We also focus on real diversity and inclusion strategies, and we promote a culture focused on generating pride in belonging, supported by the Recognition as a Great Place to Work.

2. Professional development and continuous learning

In the technology sector, the speed of change demands that skills remain up-to-date. Retaining talent means ensuring that the company is a place where learning is part of the corporate DNA.

According to the report Workmonitor 2025 from Randstad, 72 out of the people surveyed said that training and development are important for current and/or future employment.. 

Here, a shared interest converges. Companies demand talent with essential soft skills and specific technical knowledge, who are willing to constantly update their skills. 

For their part, individuals need continuous learning to adapt to a dynamic labor market. 

Especially in the technology industry, where the sector's rapid evolution creates talent gaps every time an innovation emerges.

According to the report Future of Jobs Report 2025 of the World Economic Forum, the 84% of Latin American companies plan to invest in upskilling and reskilling to address the digital divide. 

The challenge lies in balancing the needs of each generation:

• Junior employees need to see visible progress. If they don't see improvement in the short term, they become demotivated. 
• In the case of senior roles, they expect strategic training, not just technical training. They want spaces where they can share knowledge and reinvent their role to remain relevant.

Furthermore, it is crucial to keep in mind that continuous learning and mentoring in the technology industry tend to carry more weight than formal training.

A company that teaches, grows, and a person who feels they are learning, stays within the organization. In other words: Training is not just an investment in talent, it is an investment in organizational sustainability.

That's why at IT Patagonia we have differentiated career paths, with rotations and support for junior staff, and opportunities for technical leadership and mentorship for senior staff. We aim to ensure that professional growth opportunities should be available to everyone, without bias.. 

Furthermore, we promote lifelong learning (lifelong learning) through strategic alliances with educational institutions, such as Codeki.

3. Organizational culture, leadership and sense of belonging

Various studies show that people do not quit companies, but rather corporate cultures that do not contain them. 

Two pieces of data that emerge from the Workmonitor 2025 study are telling:

• 8 out of 10 say that a sense of community helps them perform better at work.
• 44 % quit a job because of a toxic work culture.

In the technology sector, where job mobility is high, A culture of collaboration, diversity, and trust is a decisive retention factor.

A strong, humane, and shared culture is the invisible glue that holds talent together.

Regarding leadership, it's important to cultivate a culture where value lies not only in the numbers, but also in how the results are interpreted and how action is taken based on them. Metrics can indicate trends, but It is the conversations that reveal causes and opportunities. 

In technical teams, close observation and constant dialogue are irreplaceable. One-on-one meetings between the leader and each team member are not a formality. They provide a space to listen, guide, detect early signs of burnout or misalignment, and strengthen trust. 

How did he explain it? Carolina Olivera, our People, Culture and Sustainability Director, in an interview with America Learning Media, Leadership is key, as an ambassador and promoter or detractor of the culture. 

For Carolina, “leadership training is a central point: there is no possible culture of equity if those who lead are not sensitive or committed.”.

Ultimately, what people value in their leaders is their ability to support and adjust in a timely manner, beyond numbers and metrics.

Aware of this, at IT Patagonia we developed a people-centered culture, This reinforces our position as an attractive company for IT talent. We make people feel like they belong and identify with the same values, ensuring their journey with our company is extraordinary.

Furthermore, we foster a Patagonian community that shares a sense of belonging that transcends the professional, and we promote spaces for active listening that encourage the exchange of ideas and promote a positive organizational climate. 

We connect with each person to achieve a closer and more human bond, and we focus on leadership, under the premise that those who lead are central actors in building a people-centered culture. 

4. Flexibility, well-being and work-life balance

Well-being has ceased to be a benefit and has become an expectation. Today, people are not just looking for a job, but for an environment that respects their pace, mental health, and personal balance. 

The survey conducted as part of the Workmonitor 2025 report shows that 83% of people consider work-life balance to be the main motivator, above the salary (chosen by the 82 %)

In this sense, the Infoempleo report It highlights that the most important reason for deciding to change jobs is to achieve a better work-life balance. With 45.51% of respondents citing this preference, this percentage is almost double the 23.40% recorded in 2020. 

In the technology industry, where pressure and speed are constant, Looking after your well-being is a way to increase productivity and creativity. It's about offering quality of life. 

Companies that understand this not only retain talent: they build genuine commitment and sustainable teams over time.

At IT Patagonia we offer flexible work arrangements, and emotional health and mindfulness programs. 

We also offer benefits tailored to different stages of professional life, including family care situations, personalized schedules, and a policy committed to work-life balance.

5. Recognition, rewards, and differentiated career paths

In an industry where salaries are competitive, authentic recognition becomes a differentiator.

Retaining talent no longer depends solely on offering good compensation, but on building a work experience where people feel that their work has impact, visibility, and meaning.

Recognition is not limited to awards or bonuses. Start with something much simpler and more powerful: look, listen, and value.. 

In technology teams, where effort often translates into intangible solutions (clean code, a more efficient architecture, an idea that improves a process), leadership faces the challenge of to make those contributions visible and celebrate them in a genuine way.

Furthermore, the reward should be consistent with the different career paths. 

Junior professionals typically value public recognition, learning opportunities, and the chance to participate in relevant projects. In contrast, senior professionals seek rewards linked to strategic impact, stability, mentorship, and recognition of their accumulated experience. 

Designing policies that integrate both approaches is key to sustaining diverse and balanced teams.

Recognition is also linked to equityPeople need to perceive that achievements are valued with clear and fair criteria, regardless of the area, age, or hierarchy. 

In that sense, differentiated career paths—which allow growth without the need to hold management positions—become essential in technical environments.

Offering parallel pathways (for example, technical experts, knowledge leaders, or internal mentors) expands development opportunities and prevents talent drain. senior talent who does not wish to lead teams, but does want to continue contributing with technical depth.

In summary, Recognition is not just about rewarding; it's about understanding the value that each person brings and making it visible.. 

An organization that celebrates effort and impact builds trust, belonging, and purpose. And when people feel seen, talent doesn't look to leave: it chooses to stay, contribute more, and grow with the company.

In IT Patagonia we create and we developed an attractive benefits program, aligned with our values and competitive in the market.

Furthermore, we work from our DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) strategy to promote a equitable and diverse culture, and we implemented a compensation methodology that is not associated with the person's identity but with their role and function. 

The challenge of employee retention in the IT industry

Retaining talent involves designing work experiences that are consistent with the values of new generations and the expectations of those who have been building knowledge for years.

It requires offering a strong culture, generational diversity, continuous learning, comprehensive well-being, and genuine recognition. 

In a sector where change is the only constant, retaining talent lies in sustaining the ability to innovate, create, and transform.

Get to know Why IT Patagonia is a good company to work for.