Skip To Main Content

The Tech Talent Shift: Hiring & Retention Strategies for 2025

Reading Time 

min

Posted On Apr 29, 2025 

Technology never stands still, and for IT and technology teams, change has become the one constant. The way companies hire, develop, and retain top tech talent is shifting, and those that don’t adapt risk being left behind.

 

In our latest Insights article, we explore key findings from our 2025 Technology Hiring Guide, and offer practical, real-world strategies to help you build a resilient, future-ready workforce.

 

Challenge 1: Attracting and Retaining Tech Talent

 

The demand for highly skilled tech professionals has never been higher, yet employers continue to struggle with talent shortages. According to our Global Workforce of the Future survey:

 

  • 30% of employers report difficulty finding candidates with the right technical skills
  • 72% of employees reassess their career trajectory at least quarterly

 

With professionals frequently evaluating their next move and critical skills in short supply, hiring managers can’t afford to take retention for granted. Engaged employees stay longer, grow within the organization, and help build a stronger team culture. Without a clear strategy for retention and upskilling, companies risk losing top talent to competitors.

 

What You Can Do:

 

  • Invest in employee development: Offer upskilling programs, certifications, and career pathing to help employees grow within your organization.
  • Enhance your employer brand: Showcase your company culture, values, and employee success stories to attract top talent.
  • Engage passive candidates: Leverage networking events, employee referral programs, and industry partnerships to build a strong talent pipeline.

 

Challenge 2: Shifting Skills in the Age of AI

 

AI is changing how work gets done—but it’s not replacing people. Instead, it’s shifting the skills IT teams need to thrive. According to CompTIA, AI-related skills are now the most in-demand for IT certifications and training.

 

While technical expertise is essential, the most sought-after professionals today have a blend of hard and soft skills that help them adapt, collaborate, and drive innovation:

 

  • AI & Cloud Management: Understanding AI applications, automation, cloud deployment and security, and large language models (LLMs).
  • Project Management: Strong grasp of Scrum, Agile, and Waterfall methodologies to lead IT initiatives.
  • Strategic Communication: The ability to translate technical concepts clearly to internal stakeholders and clients.
  • Adaptability & Critical Thinking: Agility, risk assessment, and problem-solving in fast-evolving tech environments.

 

What You Can Do:

 

  • Offer AI & cloud training: Help employees develop emerging tech skills to stay ahead of industry trends.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning: Encourage professional development and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Communicate your technology roadmap: Getting buy-in early reduces resistance and prepares teams for future innovation.

 

Challenge 3: Developing Strong Leaders

 

Strong leadership isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about vision, adaptability, and the ability to inspire teams through change. Yet in many IT departments, leadership development isn’t a top priority—and that can be a costly mistake.

 

As businesses introduce new technologies, digital transformation projects, and security upgrades, IT leaders need to:

 

  • Translate business strategy into technology solutions
  • Lead teams through complex transformations with confidence
  • Foster a culture where innovation and collaboration thrive

 

What You Can Do:

 

  • Develop leadership from within: Identify high-potential employees and provide them with mentorship, coaching, and leadership training.
  • Foster a culture of trust: Strong leaders create environments where employees feel safe to take risks, experiment, and innovate.
  • Empower IT leaders to think strategically: Provide training on change management, cross-functional collaboration, and business alignment.

 

Need a Partner in Finding and Developing Top Tech Talent?

 

The future of technology hiring isn’t just about filling open roles—it’s about building teams that can adapt, grow, and drive innovation.

 

At LHH, we specialize in connecting IT and technology leaders with top candidates—helping organizations build future-ready teams that thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Let’s connect today.