For CIO in 2010 it’s “Down With Hiring, Up With Consulting”
A recent report by Robert Half suggests that “42% of CIOs are confident their companies will invest in IT projects in the first quarter of 2010.” But it also states that 89% of CIO plan to maintain current personnel levels. Another report by the same firm, back in October, states that IT salary averages are expected to decline by 1.3% in Q1 2010. IT hiring isn’t expected to pick up until late 2010 or 2011.
Let’s add this up:
42% more projects + 43% already understaffed -1.3% pay ————————————————— = Lots of IT folks doing more work for less money.
Overworking staff for a prolonged period can be detrimental to productivity and morale. But some are looking at this as an opportunity to fill in the short-fall on projects with short-term hires and consultants. Eric D. Brown (The New CIO weekly) writes “I believe that 99.9% of CIO’s in this world cannot adapt to the new IT reality without some assistance from [outside consultants].” He further clarifies that intelligent CIO understand the changing game, but are too close to their business to see the changes they need to make immediately. Dave Willmer (CEO, Robert Half) suggests that using consultants “gives IT managers the opportunity to evaluate people they may want to hire permanently”.
For expertise, outside perspective, focus, and experience, consulting should be a good route to go in 2010. If you’re not the CIO, try suggesting some consulting help for that new project you’re going to be assigned.
-IainR
The BI Builders
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