IT's Role During Tough Economic Times
A recent survey by Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based ProTech highlights some interesting insight onto what IT professionals are doing in these tough economic times. Eighty-nine percent of respondents surveyed said IT is playing a significant role in enhancing their company's competitive advantage in this tough economic climate.
The survey interviewed 11,000 IT professionals for ProTech's fifth annual Tech Talent survey and interviewed 525 IT executives for its seventh annual leadership survey. Twenty-four percent said they plan on increasing their IT staff this year and 61 percent of the same group -- compared to 42 percent last year -- said IT is a critical and valuable function within their organizations.
"In a down economy, IT is becoming more important as companies seek a competitive advantage," ProTech CEO Deborah Vazquez said. "Strategic use of IT can streamline operations, thereby reducing costs while increasing revenues and customer satisfaction. Companies must engage in these activities all the time, but especially right now."
Additional highlights from the survey...
Effects of economic downturn:
- Eighty-eight percent of respondents said the global financial crisis affected their businesses negatively.
- Thirty-eight percent of respondents said their organizations were hurt by a reduction in consumer spending and 33 percent said the credit crisis had a negative impact.
As for IT in Florida:
- Fifty-five percent of respondents said the commitment on behalf of Florida's local and state governments to developing the state's technology sector was weak.
IT budgets:
- Average IT budgets for companies in Florida in 2009 increased by 2 percent.
IT training:
- More than 50 percent of IT professionals said they would leave their company for less money if they received training that advanced their careers.
IT staffing:
- The three top reasons given by IT leaders for losing talented staff were: (1) compensation (30 percent); (2) lack of career path (26 percent); and (3) an employee moving to another location (19 percent).
Employee skills:
- Twenty-one percent of respondents said that skilled business analysts are the hardest IT professionals to recruit.
"Human resource directors need to focus on how to strengthen their IT teams so they can help their organizations succeed," Vazquez said. "The main priority for companies right now should be to recruit and retain talented technology professionals in order to not just survive, but to excel."
How's your area of IT working? Are you planning to expand your IS staff anytime soon? Please e-mail me at RMitchell@advanceweb.com