Canada’s Tech Talent is on the Rise – How Can Companies Attract and Retain Workers?

Canada’s technology sector is growing at a rapid pace. Cities like Toronto, often hailed as a burgeoning “Silicon Valley,” along with Vancouver and Montreal, are at the forefront of this transformation. These hubs are catching the attention of major global tech firms, and the need for skilled professionals continues to rise.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming critical across industries, even outside the traditional tech sphere. Meanwhile, remote work has opened up Canadian talent pools to global employers, including those in the U.S., who often offer higher salaries. This creates stiff competition for Canadian companies aiming to secure and retain the best workers in the tech field.

So, what steps can Canadian employers take to attract and keep valuable tech professionals?

Understanding What Tech Professionals Seek

Colin Yasukochi, the Executive Director of CBRE’s Tech Insights Center, provides valuable insights into the preferences of tech workers. His observations can guide Canadian employers in meeting these needs as cities compete to grow their tech industries.

“The innovation and high-paying jobs in tech are shaping the future of global economies. Transitioning into the digital age is key, Yasukochi explains.” Canada has been a major beneficiary, partly due to its proximity to the U.S. Many large American companies maintain significant operations in Canada because of the cost advantage and high-quality talent.”

Toronto: A Leading North American Tech Hub

CBRE’s “Scoring Tech Talent 2023” report highlights Toronto as a standout tech market. Between 2017 and 2022, the city added 63,800 tech jobs, second only to California’s Bay Area. Other Canadian cities, like Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Waterloo, and Edmonton, have also seen remarkable growth in tech employment.

This success stems partly from Canadian universities offering cutting-edge tech and AI programs. Immigration policies that are more welcoming than those in the U.S. also play a role. Yasukochi notes that organizations establish operations near institutions like the University of Toronto or the University of Waterloo to recruit graduates and collaborate with these schools to refine academic programs.

Aligning Roles with a Greater Mission

Tech workers increasingly seek roles that offer meaningful work. For younger professionals especially, understanding the broader purpose of their technical contributions can be a deciding factor in accepting or staying in a role. Employers should focus on showcasing their company’s mission and the impact of individual roles when recruiting.

Many professionals now acquire technical skills through alternative means like coding boot camps and continuous learning programs. This means Canadian HR teams should look beyond traditional qualifications and consider offering development opportunities to upskill internal employees.

Upskilling and Internal Recruitment

Yasukochi encourages Canadian employers to explore their internal talent pools for employees eager to transition into tech roles. Providing these individuals with education and training can be a cost-effective strategy. “Developing your own tech talent makes it easier to fill roles without directly competing with major tech firms offering higher salaries,” he says.

Building connections with local educational institutions is another effective approach. Smaller companies, particularly those outside major cities, can benefit from identifying graduates or professionals who have ties to their communities and might be inclined to return.

Flexible Work Arrangements Are Key

Hybrid and remote work options remain essential for attracting tech professionals. Although fully remote work is less common than it was in 2021, offering flexibility is still a priority for tech workers. Employees value the ability to collaborate in person occasionally while retaining the option to work from home.

“Flexibility is critical,” Yasukochi explains. “Being in the office five days a week is not appealing to most tech workers, but completely remote arrangements aren’t ideal either. A balance between the two fosters both productivity and a sense of community.”

Real Money Casinos in Canada and Gambling’s Broader Impact

Canada’s thriving tech sector has also influenced other industries, including online gambling. Real money casinos in Canada benefit from cutting-edge technology, offering advanced platforms and secure payment systems. These casinos are now integrating innovative features, like AI-driven customer support and blockchain, for secure transactions, making them popular among tech-savvy Canadians.

This intersection between tech and gambling highlights the importance of innovation in retaining customers. Just as casinos must provide seamless experiences to their players, employers in other industries should focus on creating environments where their teams can thrive and feel supported.

Leveraging Local Connections for Talent Acquisition

Canadian employers should nurture relationships with universities and local training institutions to create a pipeline of skilled workers. Smaller markets can focus on attracting professionals with ties to their region, such as those who grew up locally or attended nearby schools.

Yasukochi notes that during the pandemic, many professionals returned to their hometowns to work remotely, and some chose to stay. This trend underscores the potential for smaller markets to retain local talent, especially if they offer competitive roles and a strong sense of community.

Looking Ahead

Canada’s tech industry shows no signs of slowing down, and companies must stay proactive to attract and retain top talent. By offering meaningful work, upskilling opportunities, flexible arrangements, and fostering local connections, Canadian employers can position themselves as leaders in this competitive market.

As tech continues to shape the future, the organizations that succeed will be those that understand and meet the evolving needs of their workforce. For Canadians, the possibilities are endless, and the path forward is filled with opportunities to innovate and grow.