According to new figures and the general consensus in the IT sector, the recession seems to have had a positive effect on the industry.

A recent survey of 2,000 staff across the UK, by specialist recruiter Randstad Technologies shows that tech staff are amongst the  most happy and optimistic.

Nineteen per cent claim changes brought on by the economic downturn have had a positive impact on the IT sector and their careers in particular, compared to a general 16 per cent of the wider UK workforce.

More than 34 per cent of those questioned felt that changes to targets and their workload have had the greatest impact over the recession, while 32 per cent mentioned the impact of working within smaller teams after changes to their company’s hiring policy.

Mike Beresford, managing director of Randstad Technologies, said:

“The recession forced many companies to look at where costs could be saved, processes could be streamlined and teams could be managed more effectively.

“Trimming the fat may have meant increased workloads and targets for those left behind. But these changes have helped staff get used to working within a leaner environment, giving them better experience and a more honed skill set than they might have developed had more staff been around to share the workload.”

Beresford added:

“Indeed previous research of our shows that 47 per cent of professionals say a heavier workload over the course of the recession has benefited their career in some way. And now the UK is in recovery mode, businesses are reaping the benefits of those changes.”

Source: Channel Web