How to hold on to your key information‐technology specialists : … and the true cost of replacing them

Purpose – Discusses what motivates people who work in information technology and looks at ways that companies can retain their key personnel. Design/methodology/approach – Describes a retention and reward strategy for information‐technology specialists. Findings – Details the importance of having a clear job specification, proper business planning, the possibility of flexible working, an effective training and development policy, staff surveys and exit interviews. Practical implications – Emphasizes that IT specialists need to feel that they do a job well and that their input is recognized, valued and rewarded. Social implications – Reveals that the market for IT specialists remains buoyant, despite the economic downturn. Originality/value – Stresses the importance of organizations looking after their valued IT staff if they want to retain them.