Widespread remote and hybrid working practices have piled pressure on IT teams.
Today, IT teams are responsible for ensuring that geographically separated employees have the tools in place to complete their daily tasks. At the same time, security of devices both in and outside the office environment has become paramount to protect against emerging threats such as ransomware.
However, as IT professionals are expected to do more to support their organisation, the technology skills shortage is adding to daily workloads as demand outstrips supply. A shortfall of top IT talent is allowing the most skilled to jump ship to any number of job offers on the table. With retention a clear issue, over two-thirds of UK IT decision-makers (67%) view shortages of tech talent as one of the main threats to their business. It’s time to look externally to address the challenge, support stretched workers and make the most of strained budgets.
Smart outsourcing is the key to smarter ways of working. A managed IT service can take care of time-consuming tasks such as the set up and imaging of new laptops for in-office and remote workers, without the need for skilled in-house teams to take on the job. Staff can access the latest technology, resulting in user downtime being significantly reduced as outdated equipment becomes a thing of the past. A managed service is also highly resilient and more cost-effective as large CAPEX outlays are no longer required. Experts can provide support for substantial roll-outs, both on-site as well as remotely, enabling flexibility.
IT staff are all too aware of the need to secure data stored in work systems. However, skills shortages and overstretched resources can pose a risk to security coverage of IoT devices, including printers. In addition, when it comes to managing these environments, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Teams of experts can complete pro-active monitoring and pre-emptive servicing to ensure uptime and apply the latest patches, updates, and encryption technologies to protect against cyberthreats. Under-pressure staff are able to focus on other business priorities as a result.
The IT skills gap not only opens up inefficient ways of working and potential security vulnerabilities, but is placing strain on individuals in the business. Employers can start to free up their workloads and allow them to prioritise other objectives. With smart outsourced services and access to external expertise, organisations can repurpose their existing in-house capabilities, help to fuel business growth, and ensure that strained budgets are spent wisely in times of economic tension.
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