Channel partner organizations of all shapes and sizes are tackling the problem of hiring and talent retention.

Channel Futures gathered together a panel of technology advisors (agents), managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) for an editorial roundtable at the recent Channel Partners Conference and Expo at the beginning of May.

Although these three partner models vary in how where they earn revenue and their technology focuses, they share the common challenge of finding and keeping good people. Partners in the recent Channel Futures Q1 surveys of MSPs and agents found that both groups see staffing as a key challenge. And roundtable members backed up that trend with their own observations.

That comes in part as inflation and other factors have caused wages to rise. One MSP leader noted that salaries have gone up 15-18% since the start of COVID-19. Partners have always faced the challenge of competing with the well-resourced corporate world to offer employees benefits and pay that keep them around. And now, they’re finding new ways to find and keep their folks.

Some MSPs and technology advisors, both who generate a stream of recurring revenue, are harnessing their models to loop their employees into that revenue. Another MSP is using a progression program that ties raises to certifications levels. Other firms are touting the flexibility they offer to employees, both in terms of working location and hours.

Talent Retention Participants

The attendees included:

Entara’s Pamela Diaz

Opex’s Courtney Humphrey

Keystone Solutions’ Richard King

Shelby Technology Solutions’ Kat Lopez Shelby

Rise Technology’s Eric Ludwig

Alvaka’s Kevin McDonald

ATA’s Idris Odutoye

WheelHouse’s Chris Torbit

The roundtable conversation focused heavily on strategies partners are employing for talent retention. The think tank also touched on how organizations engaging with clients on cybersecurity, as well as how they’re engaging with cyber insurance brokers.

Channel Futures recapped key tends from the conversation in the 12 slides above.