Challenge to Find Good IT Staff

26 March 2012

Challenge to Find Good IT Staff

The outlook is positive for IT employees however it is difficult to find skilled staff, according to a recent survey by recruiter Robert Half.

The survey found 80% of NZ CIOs and CTOs are optimistic about New Zealand’s economic growth in 2012. 20% of the same senior managers also intend to increase the number of permanent technology personnel during the first half of 2012, 72% plan on keeping staff levels the same and only 5% plan on decreasing IT headcount.

Senior IT professionals cited the main reasons for increasing permanent staff is to facilitate business growth (40%) and to implement IT system upgrades (40%), with the remaining 20% will hire to pick up the slack of rising workloads.

Despite this, well over half (57%) of senior IT managers are currently finding it a challenge to secure skilled IT professionals and 55% cited retention as an ongoing concern for 2012.

Robert Half general manager Megan Alexander says the demand and supply of IT professionals mirrors the survey results. She says the skills shortage is far from over and it’s currently very tough to find good IT staff in New Zealand.

“Over two thirds of CIOs and CTOs surveyed are confident that their company will invest in new technology projects in 2012. With more and more projects being signed off, finding the manpower with the specialist skills to carry out the work is difficult. We are seeing an upswing in the numbers of companies willing to sponsor people from overseas when they can’t find someone with the right experience and technical skills here.”

“Though remuneration may not be as strong as what’s on offer overseas, candidate are attracted to the entrepreneurial nature of many IT roles in New Zealand and are interested in being involved in start-up projects where they can be a big part of the business and see quick growth,” she adds.

The research found that on average it takes more than seven weeks to fill a management level IT position and more than five weeks to fill a staff level position.

Because of the heightened confidence in the market, Robert Half is already seeing an increase in those looking to move jobs over the coming months. Employers should carefully consider their projected business growth and be proactive and ensure their staffing plans measure up.

“Now is the right time for managers who want to keep and attract top employees to put retention under the spotlight. Those in hiring positions should consider what benefits they can offer prospective employees to avoid losing them to the competition,” says Alexander.

The research was developed by Robert Half in conjunction with an independent research organisation and surveyed the highest-level of technology decision makers in companies across New Zealand. It was conducted from 10 December 2011 to 19 January 2012, and included 100 CIOs and CTOs in New Zealand.

About Robert Half International

Robert Half International Inc. (RHI) pioneered specialised staffing services and today is the world’s leader in the field. Founded in 1948, the company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: RHI).

Robert Half International again was named to FORTUNE® magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, ranking #1 in our industry. (March 19, 2012)

Robert Half New Zealand operates the divisions Robert Half Finance & Accounting, for temporary and permanent finance professionals; Robert Half Management Resources, for project financial professionals and Robert Half Technology, for high calibre technology professionals.

There are more than 350 Robert Half International locations worldwide. Visit us today: www.roberthalf.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media