Navigating Mental Health: Helping Tech Contractors Stay Connected

We’re proud to announce the promotion of Lauren Dubery to Senior Director. Lauren’s exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and remarkable performance have been instrumental in driving the success and growth of our Austin office. He consistently demonstrates exceptional personal performance, billing a record $2 million in his best year and surpassing $1 million in multiple previous years. His dedication and expertise have set a high standard within our company. Since opening our Austin office in 2020, Lauren has successfully led the team to almost 20 members, of which multiple are top performers. His leadership has resulted in significant office growth and close to $11 million in Net Fee Income (NFI) for 2022/2023, showcasing his ability to drive significant growth and success. Lauren’s implementation of innovative contract initiatives has been a game-changer for our US operations. As of April 2024, our US contract book had grown to nearly 100k per week, highlighting his impact on our business. Playing a pivotal role in developing multiple global high-performing customers, each generating over $1 million in contract and permanent placements. His efforts have contributed substantial revenue across all teams globally, reinforcing his value to our organisation. We are excited to see Lauren continue to excel in his new role as Senior Director, where he will undoubtedly drive further success and innovation.

It's no secret that Europe is a hub for the tech industry, and some cities are prime destinations. If you're considering a move or looking to start your career in tech, these cities offer vibrant ecosystems, abundant opportunities, and a high quality of life. Here's a closer look at the top European cities for tech careers in 2024. Our top pick is Berlin, Germany. Berlin is known for its high level of opportunities among tech professionals, thanks to its affordable living costs and short commuting times. With numerous startups and established tech companies, Berlin is a magnet for tech talent. Berlin is at the forefront of green technology, focusing significantly on renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly consumer products. Startups are focusing on creating sustainable solutions to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints. Followed by AI and Machine Learning, AI is revolutionising various industries in Berlin, from healthcare to travel. AI-powered platforms and tools are being integrated into everyday applications, enhancing efficiency and providing advanced data insights​. Next up we have Munich, Germany. Munich is another leading tech city in Europe, renowned for being the headquarters of global giants like Siemens and BMW. AI and Machine Learning are significant drivers in Munich right now, followed by Python, which remains a top programming language due to its simplicity and versatility. Python is widely used in web development, data science, machine learning, and automation. Its readability and extensive libraries make it a favourite among developers and companies like Google, Netflix, and Spotify​. There is a high demand for tech talent in Munich. Companies are looking to hire skilled professionals in software, data, cybersecurity, and AI. London, UK continues to be a leading tech city. With a strong presence of tech companies and startups, London offers many job opportunities in the tech sector, bolstered by its vibrant financial and business environment. Despite high living costs, London attracts tech talent due to its dynamic job market and rich cultural scene. The city's tech sector offers a wealth of job opportunities. Roles in software development, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are particularly in demand. The financial sector's integration with tech (fintech) further amplifies job prospects, blending finance with technological innovation. JavaScript is the leading language, and thanks to frameworks like React, Angular, and Node.js, it's crucial for web development, both front-end and back-end. It continues to be essential for creating interactive web experiences and dynamic applications.   Ready to take on your next challenge? Check out our current job openings here.

We now provide an inclusive online experience to enable website visitors to access online content and services barrier-free. As part of our diversity and inclusion strategy, website visitors can now access a wide range of accessibility and language support tools to customize their digital experience through Recite Me assistive technology.  Being able to offer an inclusive experience is essential to support over 25% of the population who may encounter barriers when exploring our website due to having a disability, learning difficulty, visual impairment, or if they speak English as a second language. The Recite Me assistive toolbar on the Signify Technology website includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customizable styling options an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages including 65 text-to-speech and styling options. Ryan Adams, CEO commented, “Here at Signify Technology accessibility is extremely important to us. We are committed to ensuring all customers can access information and services in a way that best meets their individual needs.” "Diversity and Inclusion are at the forefront of our business development plan in “Year”, so we are incredibly proud to be able to provide Recite Me’s innovative assistive technology across our website.” The internet can be an incredibly intimidating place for those with access barriers, and those lacking the tools they need to adequately understand or communicate are at a significant disadvantage.  Ross Linnett Recite Me’s Founder and CEO commented, “It is important to provide an inclusive online experience, where everyone can use our digital world in a way in which best suits their needs. As more organizations provide accessibility tools online, those who face online barriers can access information and services hassle-free. The digital world must be accessible for all.” To explore our accessibility support tool, visit the Signify Technology website and click the button on the bottom right of the page.  You can also access the User Guide here. 

Signify is proud to announce Susan Barrance's promotion to Associate Director, marking a significant milestone in her seven-year career with the company. Susan's journey from Talent Sourcer to achieving multiple accolades reflects her dedication, hard work, and exceptional contributions to Signify's success. Starting her career at Signify with limited recruitment experience, Susan's progress has been truly remarkable. She quickly established herself as a crucial figure in the company, becoming Signify's first million-pound biller and achieving recognition as the Global Top Biller for several consecutive years. Susan's journey showcases her relentless commitment to dedication and hard work, plus her ability to lead and inspire her team to the same level of success. Over the years, Susan has demonstrated outstanding leadership, guiding her team to be recognised as the top-performing group for the past two years. Her achievements extend beyond recruitment; she has travelled the world representing Signify at tech conferences, co-founded Scala in the City, and has placed hundreds of engineers and developers into their dream roles. Susan's recent involvement with UNIFY also showcases her commitment to driving innovation and growth within the industry. On a personal note, she took full advantage of our two-month sabbatical last year, welcomed a beautiful baby girl, and participated in all of the company incentive trips.  Susan has also been an integral part of Signify's evolution, experiencing the company's growth from 6 employees to 86, surviving lockdown challenges, and being involved in three office relocations.  As Susan steps into her new role as Associate Director, her vision and leadership will undoubtedly continue to drive Signify's success.

At Signify, we have around 180 tech contractors every year. We recognise that, while discussing mental health issues has become more acceptable and there's more awareness and support for mental health in the workplace, many are still struggling. As the tech world  is rapidly evolving, so is the awareness and support for mental health. This conversation has gained significant traction recently and is now widely supported within the workplace. This issue is particularly evident in the coding space due to the nature of the work. Individuals often work from home and in isolation, and it can be a lonely experience. It's crucial to recognise the signs of mental health challenges and find ways to support yourself, including tips on staying connected to the world. Coding is a highly specialised skill that requires deep concentration and long hours of solitary work. While this focus is essential for developing complex software, it can also lead to feelings of isolation. The stereotype of the lone coder working late into the night is a reality for many in the industry. This isolation can have significant mental health repercussions, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Men, in particular, may struggle with these issues in silence. Societal expectations often pressure men to appear strong and self-reliant, making expressing vulnerability or seeking help difficult. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of isolation and deteriorating mental health. It's essential to take practical steps to improve your mental health. Regular breaks, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, and practising mindfulness can help manage stress and moments of feeling overwhelmed.  Attending community events can be a great way to help you stay connected. Our event, Scala in the City, brings together Scala enthusiasts from various backgrounds to share knowledge, network, and support each other. Scala in the City not only offers technical insights but also fosters a sense of community among its participants. Providing a space where individuals can connect over their shared passion for Scala helps break down the barriers of isolation that coders may face. Companies can also hold internal seminars that provide and support mental health subjects and awareness days/months, featuring external trainers and specialists within tech. These seminars can provide valuable resources, coping strategies, and a sense of employee solidarity and open up conversations among peers.  Mental health awareness is an ongoing effort and should be supported year on year. Remember to reach out to those around you with a simple 'Hello, how are you?'; it can go a lot further than you think. It's time for organisations to recognise and support individuals; remember, it's okay to ask for help, and no one should have to face their struggles alone. Helplines Mind: 0300 123 3393 Samaritans: 116 123 MHA :  1-800-985-5990