Last year saw a lot of changes in the tech workforce, from WFH and hybrid office trends to advances made in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 2022 promises more change. We asked leaders of CompTIA’s Diversity Community and Advancing Tech Talent to make predictions. Here are their predictions. In 2021, the tech workforce was subject to unprecedented change and challenges. CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Community have been monitoring and responding to the year in technology careers.
Last year, the community published several guides and resources, including a Diversity and Inclusion Plan for Technology SMBs, a Guide for HR Managers to Hiring IT Pros and 5 Tips for Hiring without Unconscious Bias. It’s now time to look ahead. We asked several ATTD members for a workforce forecast for 2022. Here’s what they had. Note: These predictions are the opinions of individual council members and not the ATTD Community or their respective employers.
The Great Resignation Will Lead To Fairer, Equal Opportunities, and Support
“I believe that in 2022, we will see organizational leadership and middle managers become more people-first and empathy-forward. They will be encouraged to engage in ongoing learning related to DE&I to help support, empower, and retain our current and future workforce. We are now in a candidate’s market because the Great Resignation of 2020 is fully in effect. As a hiring manager, candidates I interviewed raised topics such mentorship and coaching and career mobility opportunities, support of underrepresented and minority groups, fair compensation, and a balance in work and life. This talent pool is looking for an environment that will help them thrive. They are also determined and selective about who, what, and where they choose to work with.” – Ashley J. Martinez Supervisor, Digital Experience, TD SYNNEX.

A strong, ongoing push to keep the DEI conversation going
“I believe that the high level delicacy to DEI has slowed down as many people think we have made significant progress and there is no need for us to keep our foot on the gas to continue the conversations and bring about change. We must continue to push hard and we will see a lot more of this in 2022. To prevent this from becoming a fad, we need to keep the dialogue open. Trend Watch
Increased transparency leads to more accountability
“It’s been nearly two years since business leaders made public statements committing themselves to equity and taking a stand for racial or social injustice. There were promises to invest in organizational change and supplier diversity, as well as organizations leading the charge for social movements. I believe today’s leaders are held to a higher standard. 2022 will bring more accountability and greater pressure to be transparent about the progress beyond just performative action. Clients/customers/(perspective) employees will expect to see the data behind reported results and will respond accordingly.” – Yvette Steele, senior director of member communities, CompTIA
IT Hiring Pendulum Swings Toward Experience, Certifications
“For 2022 I’ll be watching the pendulum swing towards IT certifications vs. education. Companies will recognize the increased security risk of working remotely and security professionals in all areas will be in high demand. Experience is the most important factor in hiring this year. Companies won’t have the luxury to hire someone who may not be able to perform. Certifications are the best way to get experience if you don’t have it. Certifications are a way to prove that you have experience, or at least that you have studied and passed a verifiable exam.
Cyber Talent Shortage Leads to More Diverse Perspectives
“In 2022 and beyond, the shortage of cybersecurity talent will continue to break down all demographic barriers in many organizations. It is well-known that cyber security can be improved by having a diverse workforce, including women and people from minority cultures. Each day passes and the cyber war that we face must be fought from multiple perspectives. Choosing to work with people who have different perspectives can make a huge difference in the fight against the war. More inclusion