Information Technology (IT) is continuously developing. Growing demands on infrastructure, coupled with a persistent shortage of skilled workers, are leaving IT professionals feeling overwhelmed. Companies can address these issues by considering strategic automation.
Skill Shortage & Growing Complexity
According to Statista, over half of global organizations reported experiencing a tech skills shortage in 2023. This lack of qualified personnel coincides with a surge in IT complexity. A recent report by Auvik, an IT management software company showed that 64% of internal IT departments spend up to half their time simply resolving routine end-user requests. This leaves little time for proactive tasks like security hardening, cloud migration, and supporting digital transformation initiatives.
Inefficient use of staff time translates to a decrease in overall IT productivity. The pressure to resolve immediate issues can lead to neglecting security protocols, potentially exposing the organization to cyber threats.
When employees download unauthorized applications, these applications can bypass security measures and create vulnerabilities. Automating the detection and management of such applications can free up IT staff to address these concerns proactively.
Strategic Automation
The answer to this growing pressure lies in strategic automation. By automating repetitive tasks, IT teams can free up valuable time and resources. This allows them to focus on more strategic initiatives that drive business growth.
Regularly backing up configurations and automating software upgrades ensures a quick recovery from outages and minimizes downtime. Automating compliance audits helps to identify and address security vulnerabilities quickly and efficiently. Automating the onboarding and discovery of new devices ensures they are properly configured and managed from the outset. Streamlining the process of adding and removing employee access to applications reduces administrative burden and minimizes security risks.
Strategic Automation also Benefits from Internal Policies
The benefits of strategic automation extend beyond increased efficiency. Automation can also enhance security by automating the detection and remediation of compliance violations. Additionally, by automating tasks such as backups and upgrades, organizations can ensure their IT infrastructure is up-to-date and secure.
- Recruiting from a Nontraditional Pool: Hiring recent college graduates with a strong interest in technology, even if they lack traditional computer science degrees, can be a viable option. Providing on-the-job training allows organizations to cultivate a skilled workforce while injecting fresh perspectives.
- Tech Apprenticeships and Educational Partnerships: Collaborating with educational institutions and tech apprenticeship programs can create a pipeline of skilled IT professionals ready to enter the workforce.
- Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Offering attractive salaries and benefits can help organizations attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.
The challenges facing IT professionals are real, but not insurmountable. By embracing strategic automation and implementing creative HR practices, organizations can empower their IT teams to thrive in this demanding environment. A focus on automation frees IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives, leading to a more efficient, secure, and resilient IT infrastructure that can support the ever-evolving needs of the organization.
This approach requires a two-pronged strategy: leveraging technology to automate routine tasks while simultaneously implementing innovative talent acquisition methods. By embracing these strategies, organizations can ensure their IT teams are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern IT landscape.
