Although highly motivated, research by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) revealed that everyday challenges were pulling UK IT managers and leaders in too many directions, affecting their ability to perform at work and their home lives.
Prioritizing work, having little time for strategic thinking, or to think at all, were each highlighted as daily challenges faced by IT management, preventing them from considering long-term company goals. Meeting overload was also hampering their ability to finish tasks.
There is this short-term, reactive approach, and IT managers need to be more aware of what is the next technology that’s breaking, said Mike Petrook, communications manager at CMI.
Such a blinkered perspective was keeping IT chiefs’ eyes off wider opportunities for new products and innovation. The research revealed that product development wasn’t high on the organizational agenda for 68% of respondents, while 59% weren’t looking for gaps in the market for new products and services.
Respondents also felt they were short-changing their staff, as only 38% found it easy to make time for their employees. Staffing problems began with the recruitment process. Four in five firms said they struggled to recruit top talent, but only one in four employers put a value on talent management.
It’s not just about recruiting the best candidates, but also about retention. If they isn’t this commitment from individuals and organizations to develop people and give them the latest skills, then that will have a long-term impact, said Petrook.
Unsurprisingly, many respondents felt work pressure impinged on their home life. Working late and coping with the deluge of admin took their toll and only one in 10 of the respondents said they felt able to relax in their free time.
Despite all these challenges, the vast majority of the 1,175 IT staff interviewed said they couldn’t wait to get up in the morning.
