Survey Reveals Over Half of Developers Consider Leaving Due to Frustration with Outdated Legacy Technologies
In a compelling new study conducted by Storyblok, insights from 200 senior developers across medium and large enterprises highlight a significant level of dissatisfaction with existing technology infrastructure. The survey underscores a troubling trend: a majority of developers are contemplating career changes due to the pervasive presence of outdated and inefficient systems within their organizations.
Widespread Discontent with Legacy Tech Stacks
An overwhelming 86% of surveyed developers expressed feelings of embarrassment regarding their current tech stacks. Specifically, one in four participants identified legacy systems as the primary obstacle limiting their productivity and innovation. These antiquated infrastructures often hinder development workflows and stifle the potential for leveraging modern technology solutions.
Talent Attrition Linked to Legacy Systems
The repercussions of poor technology management extend beyond frustration—they are influencing talent retention. The survey found that 73% of developers know at least one colleague who has left their role in the past year, citing the state of their company’s tech stack as a decisive factor. Notably, 40.5% of respondents are aware of more than three departures, and 12.5% know of at least five individuals who have moved on due to similar frustrations.
Economic Impact of Retaining Skilled Developers
Retaining developers in environments plagued by outdated technology isn’t just challenging—it’s costly. An astonishing 92% of respondents indicated they would seek a minimum salary increase of 10% to remain in their current positions if they are required to work with inefficient or obsolete systems. Furthermore, 42% would demand at least a 20% raise, and 15% would seek more than a 25% increase to stay, emphasizing the financial implications for organizations unwilling to modernize their tech stacks.
Challenges with Outdated Content Management Systems
Particularly problematic are legacy Content Management Systems (CMS). Only 4% of developers feel their current CMS platform meets their needs precisely. Nearly half of them view their CMS as a persistent obstacle, impeding their ability to deliver optimal results. This dissatisfaction points to a broader necessity for organizations to reconsider their approach to digital content management, embracing more flexible and modern solutions.
Conclusion
The findings from Storyblok’s survey highlight a critical call to action for companies: outdated technology stacks, especially legacy systems and CMS platforms, threaten to compromise talent retention, inflate operational costs, and stifle innovation. Modernizing these infrastructures is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic imperative to attract
