How high tech cities are boosting productivity and attracting talent - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Viewpoint careers advice blog

How high tech cities are boosting productivity and attracting talent - Viewpoint - careers advice blog We are living in a time of opportunity where technology is more accessible and capable than ever before. Accordingly, forward-thinking businesses must consider what their needs are and which locations can accommodate them. See how businesses can improve both productivity and attract the best talent. Keep yourself connected For some businesses, being in a city that offers high-speed internet and good connectivity is more than a nicety; it’s a necessity. Access to these amenities can make a huge difference to both their efficiency and their capability. In the sixth edition of its Cities of Opportunity study, PwC ranked London as the most technologically ready city alongside Seoul, beating the likes of New York, Tokyo and Stockholm. And with some of the best hyperfast broadband accessibility in the world, WiFi on the tube and 4G coverage rated 156 per cent better than the world average, it’s not hard to see why. Thea Fineren is Global Head of Talent for TransferWise, a low-cost money transfer service. Based in their London office, she explains that as a fast-expanding tech company, access to on-the-go communication is vital. “At TransferWise we use Google Apps â€" it allows us to connect securely with any approved device, anywhere. While working in a cohesive office environment is central to sparking creativity and innovative thinking, having tech tools so readily available makes being in the office full-time unnecessary. The technology [in London] is a great support to our dynamic working methods.” With offices in the US, Estonia and Hungary, different time zones can mean calls at less than convenient times are a necessity. However, being located in London allows communication at all times, even during a commute. “London also has great WiFi accessability, which makes it attractive for a tech company. If you need to do a Google Hangout or a Skype call on the go you really need to have 4G or WiFi. In most cities this would be an issue, but in London the connectivity is strong enough to make working on-the-go easy â€" you can now even make calls on the tube.” Attractive amenities It’s also worth remembering the draw many locations have due to their high-tech reputation. Jon Wolles is Lead Technical Recruiter at Betable, a real-money gambling platform for the social gaming industry. Based in their San Francisco office, he says the technology on offer in the city, along with the prestige in which it is held, means that talent naturally gravitates to the area. “There is a long history of technology in this area. There has long been a talent pool and capital for technology. It’s like actors; if you want to be in entertainment, you move to Hollywood. If you are an engineer or entrepreneur who is looking to be involved in the technology industry, you move to San Francisco. Our location definitely helps us to attract talent, there’s a very deep pool of qualified candidates within a 50-mile radius. The history of the city drives people here and having those people here helps us,” he explains. Being part of London’s ‘Silicon Roundabout’ also allows TransferWise better access to talent. Fineren explains that the candidates the business needs want to be around likeminded individuals: “Technology talent attracts technology talent; they want to be part of the buzz, be amongst their peers, attend the same events and be in the same postcode. That’s why you see hubs like Silicon Roundabout in London, where we’re based. It’s like an extension of the campus environment. We see a talent pool hungry for continuous learning and as a tech company building a team, we want to position ourselves in that environment.” If you enjoyed the above blog  then you might also appreciate these other articles, which also  originally appeared in  previous issues of the  Hays Journal: Rio 2016: A marathon not a sprint Making a breakthrough A complex relationship The fruits of knowledge Training at the top Why talented Chinese graduates are aiming high in Dubai Establishing an effective middle management tier Managing external resources Four pillars of people View the Hays Journal online or request a printed copy from haysjournal@hays.com