Shortage of experienced Linux professionals in European market creates challenges for local hiring managers
LONDON, 11 June 2014 – Demand for Linux professionals in Europe is on the rise, with developers and system administrators at the top of the list. But hiring managers are struggling to find the talent they need, according to European figures released today from The 2014 Linux Jobs Report.
The survey, produced by The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting the growth of Linux and collaborative development and Dice Holdings, which provides career sites for technology professionals in Europe with The IT Job Board and Dice in the U.S., is based on data from both hiring managers and Linux professionals. It found 87% of European hiring managers have “hiring Linux talent” on their list of priorities for 2014 and almost half (48%) plan to increase their hires of Linux professionals over the next six months, as compared to the previous six months. Yet 93% are having difficulty finding professionals with the Linux skills they require. Of those unable to fill open positions, 25% have delayed projects as a result.
In terms of the specific Linux talent organisations are looking for, demand is strong across both the developer and the enterprise management areas. According to the survey, developers and system administrators are the most sought after Linux professionals in Europe with 69% and 51% of hiring managers, respectively, looking to fill these positions. These results are followed by 32% of respondents looking to hire DevOps, and 19% management or IT managers.
“We have been producing the global Linux Jobs Report with Dice for three years. For the first time we have released results specifically for Europe, in an effort to help the local industry better understand the Linux career landscape, employee motivations and business needs unique to the region,” said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation. “The survey results clearly show the future is bright for Linux professionals in Europe. However as the demand for talent grows, it also illustrates that hiring managers not only need to focus on bringing new talent onboard, but also retain and grow the skills of their current Linux workforce.”
Recruiters in the region are on the hunt to fill Linux positions. Seven out of 10 Europe-based Linux professionals received calls where they were pitched new positions in the past six months, and 30% said there were more calls than in the previous six months. On top of this, one third of Linux professionals in Europe are intending to find new positions this year with 58% saying they believe it would be fairly or very easy.
“With Linux becoming an even greater part of companies operations, technology professionals can invest in their career by furthering their understanding of Linux,” said Michael Durney, President and CEO of Dice Holdings, Inc. “The amount of career opportunities and the above average pay for Linux professionals indicates a healthy recruiting market that professionals can capitalize on.”
Of those looking to move, remuneration is the biggest driving force, with 69% of Linux professionals saying an increased salary is influencing their decision, while 59% are motivated by the opportunity for greater work life balance and 51% additional training opportunities or certification.
“While salaries are always going to be a motivating factor for employees, these results highlight the additional incentives that are valued by Linux professionals, which employers can offer to help retain much-needed talent. Providing training and certification opportunities so employees can grow their careers within their current company; or allowing flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuting, can be valuable steps to keep employees from moving elsewhere,” Mr. Zemlin said.
In the past six months, 29% of Linux professionals say they have been offered a higher salary from their current employers, while 25% said they’ve been offered a flexible work schedule and 20% have been extended additional training opportunities or certification.
Additional key highlights of the research include:
- 65% of hiring managers said relative to other skills, their hiring of Linux professionals would increase over the next six months.
- 45% of hiring managers said the current economic climate means they will be hiring more Linux talent over the next six months.
- Of the factors driving demand for Linux professionals in 2014 versus 2013, 59% of hiring managers said company growth is creating the need for additional Linux professionals and 53% said it is due to the increasing use of Linux within in their company.
- All levels of Linux experience are in demand, with 80% of hiring managers seeking professionals with 3-5 years of experience, followed by 48% of respondents seeking those with 6-9 years in the field, while 43% need professionals with up to two years of experience and 35% are looking for Linux professionals with 10 years plus.
The 2014 Linux Jobs Report Methodology
During November and December 2013, Dice and The Linux Foundation surveyed both hiring managers and Linux professionals about their Linux jobs needs and preferences. Hiring managers from corporations, small and medium businesses (SMBs), government organizations, and staffing agencies were surveyed – 177 responded from Europe. Respondents needed to have hired at least one Linux professional in the last year, or have plans to hire Linux professionals in 2014 to participate in the survey, and they were allowed to check as many responses to questions as appropriate on certain questions. In addition, 893 Linux professionals responded to a survey from Europe.
About The Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux and collaborative software development. Founded in 2000, the organization sponsors the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and promotes, protects and advances the Linux operating system and collaborative software development by marshaling the resources of its members and the open source community. The Linux Foundation provides a neutral forum for collaboration and education by hosting Collaborative Projects, Linux conferences, including LinuxCon, and generating original research and content that advances the understanding of Linux and collaborative software development. More information can be found atwww.linuxfoundation.org.
Trademarks: The Linux Foundation, Linux Standard Base, MeeGo, Tizen, and Yocto Project are trademarks of The Linux Foundation. Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds.
About Dice Holdings, Inc.
Dice Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DHX) is a leading provider of specialized websites for professional communities, including technology and engineering, financial services, energy, healthcare, hospitality and security clearance. Our mission is to help our customers source and hire the most qualified professionals in select and highly skilled occupations, and to help those professionals find the best job opportunities in their respective fields and further their careers. For more than 20 years, we have built our company by providing our customers with quick and easy access to high-quality, unique professional communities and offering those communities access to highly relevant career opportunities and information. Today, we serve multiple markets primarily in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
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