The tech industry has a higher rate of turnover than any other sector of the American economy — between 13.2% and 18.3%, depending on which study you read. Big tech companies are clocking employee tenure rates between one and three years, barely enough time for a new employee to learn company rhythms or culture. The situation is such that journalists have even named it “The Tech Retention Crisis.”
But not every company is struggling with keeping employees satisfied. Built In Seattle interviewed three long-tenured tech employees to find out what’s kept them in their current roles for extended periods. Their answers ranged from having the autonomy to take risks in their work to the importance of collegial relationships and company culture.
Michael Schaffer, vice president of engineering at System1, appreciates the company’s willingness to empower employees to take risks. “We are encouraged to take big swings without fearing failure,” he said.
Elizabeth Goble has been a manager with PEAK6 for 23 years. In addition to the opportunities she’s had for professional growth, relationships are what have kept her there. “I’ve forged deep connections with my colleagues and nurtured valuable external relationships within the industry,” she said.
At Identity Digital, the warm company culture allowed People Team Specialist Kristen Pierson to feel comfortable being herself immediately, and she’s stayed for over 10 years.
Employee retention can be a tough nut to crack, especially in the current economic climate, but these long-tenured employees have great insight into how and why longevity is possible.
System1 is an omnichannel customer acquisition platform that builds desktop and mobile apps, search engines and online publications that empower consumers with information while respecting their privacy.
How long have you been with your company? What first attracted you to your employer?
I am proud to say that System1 has been my home for the last seven years. I joined through a merger with Infospace and have been in the online advertising space for 23 years. What attracted me — and continues to attract me — is the dynamic nature of this business. There are constantly new challenges to solve, new technologies to apply and an abundance of opportunities for growth.
What makes this possible is a company culture and drive to adapt to an ever-changing landscape. We are encouraged to take big swings without fearing failure. Some things will succeed and some won’t, and that is expected. We reward trying new things and pushing hard to make an impact.
We are encouraged to take big swings without fearing failure.”
What makes you stay? How has your role changed during your tenure?
There are many reasons I continue to choose System1. One of the biggest reasons is the collaborative culture. In our design meetings, we scrutinize ideas, not people.
System1 is full of talented problem-solvers and good ideas can come from anyone. We take the time to listen to each other, evaluate the merits of what is being proposed and make informed decisions. It is a positive environment where team members trust each other. There is a sense of everyone being in this together and that we’re all on the same team.
We are encouraged to explore new technologies and evaluate if they are a good fit. We are not afraid to make large technological changes when there are significant advantages.
We recently held our annual hackathon, from which several projects emerged that are heading to production and will help shape our business for years to come. Many of these projects utilize new AI tools the company is using for the first time.
The company also values having a positive impact on the community. System1 prioritizes programs to match charitable giving, marches in Pride events, organizes ERGs, participates in community cleanup days and toy drives and much more.
There is an abundance of opportunity to grow at System1, and I have had the opportunity to grow in my role as well. I started as a software engineering intern in June of 2000 at Infospace. Today, I am an engineering VP overseeing our applications organization.
In each new period, there is always something to learn from new people and projects. Even if a few of your attempts fail, you will still gain valuable experience that you can apply to future problems as you weigh the pros and cons of the tools you have.
What advice would you give to a job seeker considering a position at your company?
People who tend to excel at System1 share some common attributes. Being adaptable is key, given the dynamic nature of our business. It is rewarding knowing that you’re always working on the most important thing and that comes with the willingness to embrace change when needed.
Another key attribute is having a growth mindset. There is no shortage of new technology, products and business strategies to learn. It is important to ask lots of questions as things move fast and we’re all learning together.
One of our company values is “Own It,” and we truly feel empowered to do so. It is important to embrace this autonomy. We are a relatively small and nimble set of teams. We feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from being able to have a large impact.
PEAK6 is an investment firm that builds businesses spanning from finance and insurance to e-sports and education using world-class technology, operational excellence and purposeful design.
How long have you been with your company? What first attracted you to your employer?
I began my PEAK6 journey 23 years ago, initially working part-time while attending DePaul University and transitioning to full-time employment after graduation. At the time, PEAK6 was just two years old, growing rapidly and full of youthful exuberance and passion for the work. It was an exciting, innovative and dynamic place to be. While the company has surpassed the quarter-century mark, the passion and drive here haven’t changed.
What makes you stay? How has your role changed during your tenure?
There are two key reasons why I’ve remained a part of the PEAK6 team for so long. First, PEAK6’s adaptability and willingness to embrace change have been pivotal to the firm’s success and have continually kept my role fresh, exciting and intellectually stimulating.
Equally significant is the wonderful network of people with whom I’ve had the privilege of working. I’ve forged deep connections with my colleagues and nurtured valuable external relationships within the industry. These connections have enriched my professional journey and added a profound sense of camaraderie, making my experience here truly special.
I’ve forged deep connections with my colleagues and nurtured valuable external relationships within the industry.”
The most prominent evolution in my role over the last two decades has been the significant impact of technology. In my first several years, I spent workdays on the phone, manually executing orders. The landscape has now shifted to digital communication through chat platforms and automated execution.
While this transformation has reduced some of the personal touch in our day-to-day interactions, it also presents an invigorating challenge. It inspires me to explore innovative ways to ensure we retain and enhance the essential human connection that is so valuable in our work.
What advice would you give to a job seeker considering a position at your company?
You need to be agile and adaptable — favor working in an ever-changing environment that is fast-paced and highly collaborative.
Identity Digital, the world’s largest portfolio of top-level domain names, simplifies and connects the online world with relevant and memorable domains that allow people to build, market and own their digital identities.
How long have you been with your company? What first attracted you to your employer?
I have worked at Identity Digital for just over 10 years. When I interviewed with the company, I was instantly attracted to the casual and warm environment, the genuine nature of the hiring managers and leaders and the team’s friendliness. Everyone cared a great deal about working hard for each other and mixing in fun.
What makes you stay? How has your role changed during your tenure?
I’ve worked in a variety of environments, but I’ve never felt as supported and trusted as I do here. I’ve had many opportunities to build upon my position and grow within the company while still pursuing the things that are important to me outside of work. There is an emphasis on connection and collaboration across departments through unique and frequent events.
I’ve worked in a variety of environments, but I've never felt as supported and trusted as I do here.”
When I joined the company, I was working in a role that didn’t previously exist, so I was able to define and build out my responsibilities and was trusted to execute them. As the years progressed, I was offered the chance to transition into an HR role, which has challenged me and taught me incredibly useful skills. I know I'll be here for a while to come, but the development opportunities I've had here will be invaluable to me if I ever do move on.
I can also say that the benefits are tremendous and have only gotten better. The week off between Christmas and New Year's Day is extremely refreshing, and the health plans are the envy of my family members working for other companies.
What advice would you give to a job seeker considering a position at your company?
This might sound corny, but be yourself. With the amount of time you spend at work, it’s important to be in a place where you feel comfortable, where your ideas and background are valued and where you know your contributions matter.
This isn’t the kind of environment where you’re forced to be something you are not. We make sure you not only feel included and appreciated for who you are but that you’re also given the opportunity to better yourself and gain beneficial career skills.
