How do we build an environment for top technology talent to thrive?
What motivates travel technology professionals when choosing where to work? And what helps them to do their best work? These might sound like simple questions with obvious responses, but new research we commissioned has revealed a range of interlocking answers, deepening our insight into what makes this highly talented sector of the employment market tick.
For the new report, Innovating the Culture of Tomorrow: Exploring how global technology talent thrives, we asked independent researchers to question 2,200 technology professionals in eight key markets as we seek to understand their motivations, ambitions and requirements. And while some of the findings differ from our approach as a company, the results are fascinating, uncovering some unexpected insights and confirming some long-held truths.
Below I would like to offer my own thoughts on the research, in which innovation, flexibility, training and inclusivity all emerge as key themes for 2024 and beyond.
Training for an unpredictable future
Travel technology is a fast-paced and dynamic industry, one in a constant state of evolution. For this reason, it is no surprise to see professionals working in this space anticipating significant upheaval over the coming years. Indeed, many are expecting to change direction multiple times during their professional lives.
As a result, the professionals surveyed expect to be trained in the latest innovations, and some find that to get this experience they need to move around. While cutting-edge technologies – including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing and more – offer opportunities to enhance the travel experience, technology talent cannot risk being left behind.
At Amadeus, we encourage mobility and exposure: we want our employees to assume different roles, take on new challenges and seek greater depth within their expertise. In line with this aim, earlier this month we celebrated our first international Career Week, during which internal and external speakers delivered sessions discussing topics such as career planning, skill development, networking, and personal branding. The objective of the Career Week was to empower our ambitious and talented employees to move and grow, and to inspire them through testimonials and insights into how other people have managed their careers.Last year, 27.4% of our employees changed roles or got promoted, showing that people are taking advantage of internal growth opportunities, and with programs such as Career Week we aim to continue this momentum.
Additionally, to ensure skills remain up-to-the-minute, our employees have access to 94,000 courses, including face-to-face, virtual and online training sessions on soft and hard skills. Our people are our greatest asset and the more we invest in them, the greater our joint success.
Innovating together
The research clearly shows technology professionals value working at companies they perceive to be innovative, as they want to work at the cutting edge. Therefore, it is clear that to attract and retain the top talent, companies must clearly communicate their own innovative successes – letting the world know about their contribution to building a better future for us all. If we keep quiet, discerning individuals will look elsewhere.
For this reason, we put innovation at the heart of what we do at Amadeus – developing, scaling and integrating the next-generation of travel technology for our partners around the world. Here we drive innovation, always pushing ourselves to create impactful technology that makes a difference for our customers, travelers, places and the planet.
Through our Nexwave and LIFT programs, for example, we incubate the next generation of travel technology, working with members of our team to bring these from conception to fruition. This is something we believe is a surefire path to innovation. Offered space and safety, our teams are confident to experiment and fail, knowing they will be supported to try again.
And not only that, but by working in an environment surrounded by talented and curious individuals, our teams inspire each other to grow, learn, and deliver their best and most creative work.
When we questioned our own employees – the results supported our ambitions. Asked if working for Amadeus made them feel like they were at an innovative company on a scale of five, we scored 4.16 among our 16,000+ employees. This score is .38 above the Qualtrics 2023 IT sector average, and within the 90th percentile. At the same time, when asked if the innovation happening within Amadeus positively influenced decisions to stay and grow within the company, we scored 4.08.
I’m proud of these results as it shows that our colleagues endorse a focus on innovation, and believe it is being delivered.
Flexibility is key to building a welcoming environment
Contrary to popular depictions of technology workplaces with ping pong tables and music playing to attract the best talent, these attributes were actually rated among the least helpful in fostering innovation.
Instead, going back to basics, with improved technology, physical tools, like the right desks and equipment, and a quiet space, as well as facilities to meet with the team face to face to brainstorm, were seen as the most conducive to promoting innovation.Technology talent wants the space, tools and opportunities required to collaborate.
Our own internal research suggests ‘a flexible working model’ is among the key pillars for attracting talent now and in the future – and this takes many forms. In terms of when, where and how we work, Amadeus seeks to offer the schedules, locations and tools needed for professionals to excel in the travel technology sector.
An example is our ‘workcation’ policy, which allows employees to work temporarily from a different country to the one in which they are contractually located.
Inclusivity brings success
Finally, four-in-five technology professionals want the company they work for to evidence its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) credentials – and this is something we strive for here at Amadeus.
We want to enable every employee to reach their full potential by fostering a culture of purpose and belonging, by attracting the best talent from all backgrounds and by positioning the company as a role model for an inclusive employee experience. In recognition of our work in this area, we have beenrecognized
among Financial Times Diversity Leaders for the past six years – an achievement we are proud of across the organization.
We strive to be a destination for top tech talent, where colleagues are collaborative, genuinely care for each other’s success, respect opinions, are inclusive and globally diverse.
An essential pillar of inclusivity is the ability to discuss mental health at work – here, the survey shows that work remains to be done. Some 17% of those questioned as part of this project said they would be actively uncomfortable talking about their mental health at work, with 20% undecided if they would feel comfortable talking about their mental health at work. These figures are too high.
It is critical we address this as an industry and ensure everyone feels they can bring their whole selves to work and share what they need to thrive. At Amadeus, we are committed to supporting mental health and well-being. We actively participate in World Mental Health Day, with mental health first aiders trained in multiple offices. This year, we celebrated our first global event, featuring interactive expert sessions designed to promote mental health and wellbeing.
A bright future together
At Amadeus, we bring the world closer. Whether it's innovating on the next travel technology alongside supportive colleagues or collaborating on global projects, you have it. We believe this is the ultimate career destination for travelers and technologists who want to explore the vast possibilities in travel tech with the shared goal of making the experience of travel better for everyone, everywhere.
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