More than a third of IT leaders in Ireland plan to leave their jobs within the next two years and emigrate.

That’s according to a new survey by Dublin-based IT company Auxilion, which has found a worrying brain-drain from our cities, as staff battle with an accommodation shortage and cost of living crisis.

Their survey found that the 25-to-34-year age group had the highest proportion of people intending to relocate at 34 percent.

Opportunities

Auxilion Chief People Officer Niamh Cray said they're worried about a lack of opportunities for growth in Ireland's IT sector.

“29% of IT leaders are planning to leave their job and emigrate,” she told Newstalk.

“What we’re finding is that the cost of living is very high for people.

“Maintaining financial security is a big driver for people but they are also seeking opportunity, education, and also better quality of life.”

A man works from home. Image: Wavebreak Media Premium / Alamy Stock Photo

Almost half of those surveyed (49%) in the IT sector said they would retrain in a new career or profession if there were no barriers.

Some 84% of respondents also said they have used a recruitment agency in the past for employment.

Do better

Ms Cray said IT companies need to do better to keep staff.

"It’s important organisations are clearly outlining career paths and levels of opportunity," she said.

"We also need flexible working to make sure we meet everyone's needs as best as we can.

"That means things like flexible working, flexible working practices, wellbeing programmes – but also we need to know the goals of the organisation and get regular feedback."

The IT sector currently employs more than 120,000 people in Ireland.