In today’s technology-driven landscape, organizations rely heavily on solid IT infrastructure to ensure efficient operations and protect their data and their client’s data. However, some organizations experience shortages in skilled IT professionals regularly. The statistics do not lie. This article delves into the statistics surrounding IT staffing shortages, shedding light on the magnitude of the problem, its potential impact on organizations, and the surprisingly simple solutions.
The Expanding Gap
The demand for IT professionals has surged in recent years due to the rapid advancement of technology and the digital transformation of industries. However, the supply of qualified candidates to fill these positions has failed to keep pace, resulting in an expanding gap between demand and availability. According to a recent report by CompTIA, this gap continues to widen, with an estimated shortage of 450,000 IT professionals in the United States alone*. Fortunately, our IT staffing division specializes in sourcing and recruiting qualified IT professionals. By leveraging our extensive networks and resources, we can help bridge the gap between demand and availability.
Rising Vacancy Rates
According to industry reports, the vacancy rates for IT positions have been steadily increasing. A study conducted by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association in 2020 revealed that approximately 69% of organizations experienced a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, up from 59% in the previous year*. IT staffing companies can actively mitigate rising vacancy rates by proactively identifying and engaging with potential candidates. By partnering with an IT staffing company, organizations can tap into their expertise and streamline the hiring process, reducing the time-to-fill vacancies.
In-Demand Roles
Certain IT roles are particularly challenging to fill, exacerbating the staffing shortage. Data scientists, cloud architects, cybersecurity experts, and software developers are among the most
sought-after professionals. The demand for these specialized roles continues to grow, intensifying the competition among organizations to secure qualified talent. By leveraging the industry knowledge and network of an IT staffing company you can connect your organization with highly skilled candidates who possess the specific expertise needed to excel in these roles. Make sure that they have a deep understanding of the skill sets and experience required for these types of positions.
According to a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for IT professionals is projected to grow by 11% by 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. * This indicates a persistent and increasing need for skilled IT staff in various industries.
Impacts on Business
The shortage of IT staff has significant implications for businesses. One of the key repercussions is an increased workload for existing employees, leading to potential burnout and decreased productivity. Insufficient staffing also hinders innovation and slows down technology-driven initiatives, impeding an organization’s ability to remain agile and adapt to market demands. According to a report by the International Monetary Fund, the tech talent shortage will swell to more than 85 million tech workers by 2030, which in turn can potentially translate to lost revenue of over $8 trillion annually*. However, by using a trusted IT professional staffing team, like ours, we can efficiently source and place qualified professionals for your organization, helping distribute the workload and reducing the burden on existing employees. We can partner with you to prevent burnout within your existing teams, increase productivity, and maintain a high level of service delivery.
What’s the Economic Impact to Your Community?
IT staffing shortages can have far-reaching economic consequences. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for computer and information technology occupations in the United States will grow by 11% by 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. * This growth highlights the persistent gap between the demand for IT professionals and the available workforce. IT staffing shortages can hinder economic growth and development. A study conducted by Deloitte found that 72% of federal agencies in the United States face a moderate to high
skills gap in IT positions. * This shortage of IT professionals in the public sector can lead to delays in implementing critical technology projects, reduced cybersecurity capabilities, and limited capacity to leverage emerging technologies. However, partnering with a professional IT staffing company can help mitigate this impact, as they can actively address the talent shortage and provide organizations with the necessary IT professionals. They ensure that organizations can meet their technology needs, enabling them to compete effectively in the market and contribute to the overall economic landscape. The shortage of skilled IT professionals continues to pose challenges for organizations across the United States. The statistics surrounding this issue show the growing gap between demand and availability, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address the problem. By implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies and investing in the development of IT talent, organizations can navigate the IT staffing shortage and ensure they have the necessary expertise to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
We can help your organization through any staffing challenges it faces through our team of experienced IT professionals. To learn more about what we can do to mitigate your organization’s workforce challenges, contact us here.
Sources:
- CompTIA, Cyber State’s Report: The Definitive State-by-State Analysis of the U.S. Tech Industry:
- https://www.cyberstates.org
- Information Systems Audit and Control Association, “State of Cybersecurity 2020” https://www.isaca.org/resources/state-of-cybersecurity-2020
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations”: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
- International Monetary Fund, “Global competition for a limited pool of technology workers is heating up” https://www.imf.org/Publications/fandd/issues/2019/03/global-competition-for-technology-workers-costa
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2023), “Employment Projections – 2020-2030″ https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.toc.htm
- Deloitte, Federal Technology Outlook: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/public-sector/articles/federal-technology-outlook.html
- National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), “By the Numbers: Women in IT” https://www.ncwit.org/resources/by-the-numbers-women-in-it
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2021), “Employment Status by Detailed Occupation, Sex, Race, and Hispanic or Latino Ethnicity” https://www.eeoc.gov/statistics/employment-statistics/employment-statistics-detailed-tables
