Bill Jenkins, CIO, Penn National Insurance

We employ the following strategies/actions to attract and retain IT staff:

1. A culture that values and encourages innovation and creativity. No penalties for failure. Move people out of their "box" and stretch and engage them; provide them the latitude/empowerment to do their job.

2. Continual investment in skills development/career counseling. Make professional development a priority and push continuing education.

3. Keep your star people.

4. Offer flexible working arrangements.

5. Be competitive in compensation and benefits.

6. Practice good management and communicate. Let staff members know why the work they are doing fits into the company's plans and helps accomplish its mission; foster an open environment; recognize and acknowledge accomplishments (individual and organizational).

7. Possess an IT staffing strategy given the evolving changes in technology, i.e., what skills we need to compete three-to-five years out and how we obtain these skills.

8. Provide interesting and challenging work, including the opportunity to get exposure to new technologies and best-of-breed processes/practices.

Special Reports /

How to Attract/Keep IT Talent

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