Interesting article, and while I agree with your point, I am not certain pay is the primary factor for retaining people. I have been employed in this industry for 2 decades, and I have only met a few people that changed jobs due to higher salary. I never changed jobs for that reason either.

Infact I have a few times actually changed jobs and gotten lower salary, because my motiation have been about joining an exciting company or more importantly join a culture that fosters learning and teaching, and where there is mutual respect and a good tone between leaders and employees.

So for me the primary factors for staying are (in no particular order):

- A learning cuture when I can learn from my peers, but also where I can mentor my peers and juniors.

- Interesting technology.

- Good leaders.

- Good colleagues.

- Honest, respectful and transparent communication.