While a number of IT suppliers are reporting layoffs, many technology buyers are hoping to avoid staff cuts. According to survey results released Tuesday by Robert Half Technology, a majority of CIOs expect to maintain existing staff and some even plan to add staff during the second quarter.
More than 80 per cent of 1,400 CIOs polled said they plan to maintain current staffing levels throughout the second quarter this year. Eight per cent expect to hire IT personnel and six per cent anticipate staff reductions over the same time period, the IT staffing and consulting firm reports.
The reasons cited by those CIOs that plan to hire include corporate growth or expansion (25 per cent), and expansion or increased investment in the IT department specifically (nine per cent). Eight per cent each point to increased workload and systems upgrades as a justification to bring on more personnel, and six per cent indicated they would be increasing customer/user support. Five per cent said the plans lined up with routine hiring, and two per cent expect to bring on more staff to help with the installation or development of new enterprisewide applications.
Among those six per cent expected to lessen headcount during the quarter, 40 per cent pointed to a reduced IT budget and 21 per cent said the staff cuts were the result of the “impact of the financial fallout” on their respective company or industry, according to Robert Half Technology. Nearly 20 per cent are experiencing IT projects being put on hold and 18 per cent reported companywide layoffs as the reason behind IT staff cuts.
The firm reports that 21 per cent of CIOs expecting staff additions plan to hire a mix of full-time and project workers, and eight per cent will invest in contract resources.
“Companies are being more judicious when hiring in today’s economic environment. Budgets must support critical IT projects and companies are re-examining their staffing needs accordingly,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology, in a statement.
