The IT industry is grappling with significant talent shortage and management challenges driven by the escalating demand for technology-enabled services. According to the IT Talent Trends 2024 report from Info-Tech Research Group, only 12% of employees believe their IT organization excels at creating a positive employee experience. This shortfall is intensifying the difficulties organizations face in sourcing and retaining skilled IT professionals, which, in turn, hampers their ability to sustain and accelerate strategic objectives.

To address the critical issue of IT talent management, Info-Tech Research Group has released a comprehensive blueprint, titled Build an Annual IT Talent Strategy. This resource offers strategic insights to improve the IT employee experience within organizations. The global research and advisory firm recommends that by focusing on key areas such as culture, organizational roles, learning and development, and recruitment and retention, organizations and IT leaders can more effectively navigate these challenges and elevate the IT employee experience to a strategic priority.

"Organizations spend a lot of time, energy, and money building organizational strategies without making sure they are set up to successfully fulfill them from a people perspective," says Heather Leier-Murray, research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "Just like other strategies, you need to continuously refer to your IT talent strategy and reevaluate it on an annual basis at a minimum. For IT leaders, understanding the people on their team, the organizational systems in place, and the path to achieving organizational excellence and performance is crucial to long-term success."

The firm's newly published resource outlines the various challenges organizations face in finding and retaining IT talent. Central to this issue is the struggle IT leaders often face in building and maintaining a workforce that effectively supports and accelerates the achievement of organizational strategies. Additionally, IT departments are frequently criticized for failing to design a positive employee experience, a factor closely linked to overall organizational performance.

In its data-backed resource, Info-Tech highlights that many IT departments currently lack the time and expertise to effectively integrate their IT strategy, management expectations, and people management practices, which are crucial components for thriving in an Exponential IT world. With the demand for technology-enabled IT services steadily increasing, the firm underscores the need for IT leaders to build and sustain a workforce capable of driving organizational success.

Info-Tech's recently published blueprint identifies four key pillars that organizations and IT leaders should prioritize to effectively manage IT recruitment and retention:

1. Culture: Align talent practices that reinforce behaviors with the desired culture of the IT organization.

2. Organizational Structure and Roles: Determine the structural changes necessary to support optimal interactions.

3. Learning and Development: Define the skills that support organizational objectives and methods for obtaining those skills.

4. Recruitment and Retention: Ensure IT leaders participate in recruitment and identify the most impactful components for retention.

In the blueprint, Info-Tech offers valuable insights into the critical importance of developing an annual IT talent strategy and implementing measures to retain IT talent. By continuously improving the work environment and culture, IT leaders can align talent management more closely with organizational goals to foster a culture that promotes innovation and excellence. The firm advises that prioritizing the employee experience and adapting to evolving expectations will not only strengthen retention and recruitment efforts but also position the organization to thrive in today's rapidly changing technological landscape.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Heather Leier-Murray, an expert in IT talent management, and access to the complete Build an Annual IT Talent Strategy blueprint, please contact [email protected].

Leier-Murray will also be speaking on the topic of The New CIO: Leading IT Into the Future at Info-Tech LIVE in Las Vegas on September 19. This session will highlight the skills, strategies, and mindset required for the modern CIO to balance technological advancements with strategic leadership.

Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Conference

Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact [email protected].