How CIOs Can Keep Their IT Staff Happy in 6 Steps.
Did you know that a recent Yerbo survey found that almost half of IT professionals are on the brink of burnout? What's even more concerning is that a similar percentage are thinking of leaving their jobs in the next half year. Deloitte's research also points out that a whopping 70% of professionals, not just in IT but across all sectors, believe their employers aren't doing enough to help with burnout. CIOs, it's time to take note! The consequences? Well, businesses could face the costs of employee turnover, which means losing valuable knowledge and the expenses of hiring new staff. This could even delay strategic plans.
So, for all the forward-thinking CIOs out there, here's a game plan to combat burnout and ensure your IT team remains content:
First, let your network shoulder the burden. If your IT team is constantly bombarded with negative feedback, it's no wonder they're stressed. Issues like poor network performance and never-ending user complaints can be draining. But here's the good news: SASE can help. It offers top-notch connectivity, almost perfect uptime, and a self-adjusting architecture. This means your team can focus on pushing the business forward rather than just firefighting network issues. The result? A happier IT team and fewer support calls.
Second, embrace automation for bigger business impact. IT professionals often find themselves stuck in a loop of routine tasks, which can be demotivating. Instead of having them bogged down with endless maintenance, why not let them work on projects that align with bigger business goals? SASE can automate many of these mundane tasks, allowing your team to concentrate on more strategic initiatives. Plus, automation reduces the chances of human errors.
Third, simplify with converged SASE. IT teams often juggle multiple solutions, each designed for a specific problem. This can lead to a messy combination of old and new tech, making their jobs harder. With SASE, everything becomes streamlined. Your team gets a clear view of the entire architecture, making management a breeze.
Fourth, prioritize business continuity and top-tier security with ZTNA. The rise of remote work has doubled the IT workload. Traditional VPNs just aren't cut out for this scale. Enter SASE, the perfect solution for remote work. It ensures users can work smoothly and securely from anywhere. Plus, with advanced security features, the risk of cyberattacks is minimized.
Fifth, strengthen security with cloudification and consolidation. With global teams and numerous network integrations, the risk of cyber threats has grown. But with a SASE or SSE solution, IT teams can enforce consistent access policies and stay compliant. This not only keeps the organization secure but also helps in preventing cyberattacks in real-time.
Lastly, invest in your team's growth and education. Skills gaps can arise for various reasons, leaving team members feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied. Offering training and professional development can change this. According to a LinkedIn survey, such initiatives can boost job satisfaction and might even encourage IT professionals to stick around longer. This not only benefits the individual but also the entire organization, paving the way for growth and continuity.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out the full eBook on how CIOs can directly address IT burnout.