Good News for IT Workers Not So Good For Project Managers

 

The latest IT news is good for information technology workers in general. The number of IT jobs has increased to more than 4.1 million, the highest ever. 

Unfortunately, in the same high-employment environment, project managers will have a hard time adding staff or finding the needed expertise to get projects completed. Turnover may be higher as well, adding more problems. 

Here's how you and your organization will have to prepare:

• If you are hiring brand new people, allow plenty of time.
• While your at it, budget for more money per hire or contract.
• If you are hiring a large number, consider contractors/consultants who have already hired and have staff ready. Of course, ask for qualifications and interview their candidates.
• Ensure proper processes and procedures are ready for managing contactors/consultants.
• Consider approving more vendors to reduce risk.
• Add more recruiters or engage an entity.
• Consider starting a formal effort to poach critical talent from other organizations.
• And you will need a very good marketing campaign just to sell the advantages for working in your organization. You need a good rep on the street for easier recruiting.
• Today's IT workers want better support. They want to be engaged, so make sure your marketing holds true. You need worker training, coaching, support processes and procedures

This is a long list. Are you ready? Does your organization have some work to so? Are you suffering for talent?

Let us know.

Something else to consider: It might be a project on its own just to fill gaps you have. It may be time to create a business case for such a project.