Most CIOs Surveyed Say Understaffing Prevents Implementing New Technology

TORONTO, May 11 /CNW/ - Do your company's computers still use floppy disk drives or take 20 minutes to boot up? A new survey shows you might not be alone. Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of chief information officers (CIOs) interviewed said understaffing in their company's IT department interferes at least somewhat with their ability to implement innovative or emerging technologies.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of information technology (IT) professionals on a project and full-time basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 270 CIOs from companies across Canada with 100 or more employees.

CIOs were asked, "To what extent, if any, does understaffing in your IT department affect your company's ability to implement innovative or new technologies?" Their responses:

    
                 Significantly........................... 21%
                 Somewhat................................ 44%
                 Not at all.............................. 34%
                 Don't know/no answer....................  1%
                                                         ----
                                                         100%
    

"As the post-recession climate takes hold, many IT departments remain understaffed and lack the skill sets required to implement new technologies companywide," said Megan Slabinski, president of Robert Half Technology's Canadian operations. "With many IT projects and upgrades postponed, companies may be missing the chance to increase productivity and leverage emerging business opportunities."

Added Slabinski, "Companies unable to make a full-time hire may benefit from the use of project professionals to address critical IT initiatives, while maintaining a flexible approach to their overall staffing strategy."

Robert Half Technology offers the following tips for companies facing an IT staffing shortage:

    
    -   Ask for updates. If you aren't already doing so, ask IT employees to
        provide workload updates. This will help to ensure their to-do lists
        are manageable and determine if current tasks can be redistributed,
        potentially freeing up time for new technologies.

    -   Get employees involved. Seek input on ways to better manage workloads
        and ask staff members to brainstorm creative ways to solve everyday
        challenges. Having a say in the outcome of a project motivates
        personnel to do their best work.

    -   Take stock of current skills. Do the employees in your department
        have the necessary skills to implement an emerging technology you're
        considering? If not, what skills are needed, and would it be
        worthwhile to train staff on a new platform?

    -   Consider reinforcements. Project professionals are a cost-effective
        resource to assist companies with heavy workloads and special
        initiatives and to keep projects on track particularly when full-time
        workers are doing more with fewer resources.
    

About Robert Half Technology

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With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at www.rht.com. Follow Robert Half Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN.

For further information: Kristie Perrotte, [phone], [email protected]