Research from Robert Walters Career Lifestyle Survey1 has revealed half of IT professionals (49%) do not leave their desk for lunch.
17% left their desk for lunch but stayed in the office and just 34% leave the office during their break.
Ahsan Iqbal, Associate Director at Robert Walters, comments:
“IT professionals across a range of specialisms have seen pressure on them at work steadily increase.”
“With businesses looking to overhaul their online presence, improve cyber security measures and develop their ecommerce systems IT professionals are frequently working to tight deadlines.”
“As a result, it is easy for an unhealthy working culture to develop where professionals do not feel able to take a much needed break.”
“Managers need to remain aware of the damaging impact this can have on morale and ultimately productivity, encouraging staff to take much needed breaks from their desk.”
LONG WORKING HOURS WOULD MOTIVATE 40% OF IT PROFESSIONALS TO LOOK FOR A NEW ROLE
Long working hours were also among the main reasons why IT professionals would consider looking for a new role (40%).
Only a lack of career progression (74%) or a difficult boss (66%) would be more likely to lead them to look for a new opportunity.
Ahsan Iqbal continues:
“Work life balance is a key issue for many IT professionals and employers should bear this in mind when considering how to attract and retain top talent.”
“While areas such as career progression and relationships with co-workers can also have a significant impact, employers who are able to offer a good work life balance can give themselves an edge over competitors when looking to attract top calibre professionals.”