The IT industry has long struggled with a shortage of workers, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. According to the latest research from Cyber Seek, there are nearly 470,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the United States, representing a workforce increase of over 27% if filled. Despite the ongoing need for IT professionals, the reasons behind the staffing challenges aren’t always clear.
Uncovering the Hidden Stresses of IT Workers
One of the reasons why staffing challenges in IT departments may not be fully understood is because many of the difficulties faced by IT employees are not immediately visible. According to Buck Bell, CDW’s Global Security Strategy Office lead, the IT industry is undeniably stressful. A recent CDW survey revealed that reporting to institutional leadership, a lack of tools, and understaffing are major stressors for IT workers.
Notably, low staffing levels were identified as one of the most stressful aspects of the job, even more so than responding to actual security threats. Only a small percentage of IT employees reported feeling stress-free in their roles, highlighting the widespread issue of workplace stress in the industry.
Addressing the Needs of IT Workers
The stress and challenges faced by IT workers are exacerbated by factors such as budget constraints, declining enrollments in higher education, and the lure of higher salaries in other industries. Many IT employees in higher education are required to accomplish more with limited resources, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout.
As universities grapple with financial pressures and uncertain futures, IT departments are often understaffed and under-resourced. The need for better salaries, additional training opportunities, and increased staff support is crucial to addressing the challenges faced by IT workers.
