Despite Pay, Benefits, Tech Workers Unhappy, Poll Shows

Israel’s high-tech sector is thriving like never before. Statistics show that tech firms raised $1.19 billion in the third quarter of 2016, the second highest quarterly raise in a decade, and that average salary in the tech industry stands at NIS 23,750 – more than double that of the average Israeli’s salary. Salaries range from NIS 16,500 on average for quality assurance managers, to NIS 39,700 for top development managers.

Yet a new survey by the Matchup placement agency shows that many – 59 percent – of tech workers are unhappy with their jobs. As many as 81 percent declared that they were thinking of changing jobs – 57 percent of them “very actively” seeking a new position. The survey was based on responses by 630 industry workers from a range of firms, from start-ups to large corporations.

Besides salaries, many high-tech workers enjoy a wide range of benefits. 47.7 percent get substantial bonuses, with 18.1 percent getting a full month’s salary and 9.3 percent two months’ salary as an annual bonus. Fierce competition for top workers means that nearly half of workers get raises each year. 39 percent are provided with a car

So why the dissatisfaction? According to the survey, many companies are very rigid in their requirements, and do not afford workers an opportunity to grow and advance. The long hours and dedicated efforts that workers have to put in do not lead to advancement in the company; for many workers, it’s easier to advance by moving to another company than by waiting for an opportunity in the firm they currently work for.

“Tech firms pay fine salaries and provide more benefits than do many industries, but they are not prepared to compromise on their needs and invest in workers,” according to Moran Strasnov CEO of Matchup. “As a result, companies seek out workers who fit their exact needs.”