- 62% of tech leaders feel the impact of skills gaps is more
apparent today compared to a year ago
- New report highlights factors contributing to the skills gaps,
tech leaders' top priorities and strategies for building
future-forward tech teams
MENLO
PARK, Calif., May 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Rapid change, evolving business
priorities and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) have
created a significant challenge for today's tech leaders: critical
skills gaps on their teams. This is according to a new report,
Building Future-Forward Tech Teams, from talent solutions and
business consulting firm Robert Half. Nearly two-thirds of
technology leaders surveyed (65%) said they have a skills gap
within their department, and 62% feel the skills gap has a greater
impact today compared to a year ago.
Skills Gaps Threaten Business Priorities
According to the research, the top priorities for technology
leaders this year include:
- Security of IT systems and information
- AI, machine learning and automation initiatives
- Cloud projects
- Technology modernization
- Software engineering and development
A finite pool of available talent and significant technology
skills gaps could place these projects in peril and force
corner-cutting decisions that may negatively impact the business.
Nearly all tech leaders (95%) report challenges finding skilled
talent, and more than half (51%) predict a significant hiring
challenge will be a lack of applicants with the skill sets needed
to support essential initiatives.
"It has never been more critical to have a talent strategy in
place that aligns with your long-term vision and goals," said
Ryan Sutton, executive director for
technology talent solutions at Robert Half. "Without a defined
hiring and retention plan to help fill technology skills gaps, it
will be challenging to achieve objectives and complete
mission-critical projects."
AI Brings Skills Gaps into Focus
The need to solve
skills gaps has accelerated with the emergence of new AI
capabilities. As shown in the report, 90% of tech leaders plan to
implement initiatives involving AI this year, and 48% cite a lack
of staff with AI skills as the biggest barrier to success. Further,
AI and machine learning topped the list of skills where tech
managers said gaps are most evident.
Organizations looking to leverage AI seek candidates with a mix
of technical and soft skills. Among them are problem solving,
communication, creative thinking and business acumen. And depending
on a professional's role in the business, the knowledge and skills
they may need to work effectively with AI can include:
- Programming
- Data analysis and statistics
- Machine learning
- Software engineering
- Ethics and responsible AI
- Big data technologies
- Deep learning frameworks
- Computer vision
View information on skills gaps, top priorities for tech leaders
and skills needed to work effectively with AI.
Building Future-Forward Tech Teams
To help hire,
retain and advance high-performing tech teams, Robert Half
recommends the following strategies:
- Seek and develop high-potential candidates. Focus
on recruiting technology candidates who have an eagerness to learn
new skills that support business priorities and offer training to
promising candidates who may not yet meet all your desired
criteria.
- Embrace a scalable talent model. Adopting a mix of
permanent, contract and consulting professionals can help bridge
skills gaps quickly and efficiently, allowing your team to access
professionals with specialized expertise, keep projects moving
forward and stay agile.
- Support upskilling. Implement programs that
encourage innovative thinking and ongoing learning. This will help
prepare your employees and organization for the future and boost
retention efforts.
Sutton added: "Today's technology professionals must
continuously evolve and refine their skill sets and capabilities to
be effective on the job. And tech leaders will need to provide
plenty of training opportunities and leverage internal and external
talent to keep up with business priorities and uncover new
opportunities."
About the Research
The data from the report is from a survey developed by Robert Half
and conducted by an independent research firm in October and
November 2023. The survey contains
responses from nearly 700 technology leaders at the director level
or above at companies with 20 more employees in the United
States.
About Robert Half
Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the
world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business
consulting firm. We offer contract talent and permanent placement
solutions in major professional fields, including technology. We
find top-notch technology professionals across domains including
software and applications development, systems integrations,
infrastructure management, cybersecurity, networking and data
science. In addition, our full-time engagement professionals bring
continuity to technology initiatives best handled by the same
person either on a recurring or long-term basis. Our
industry-leading network of technology professionals can assist
with projects on an on-site, remote or hybrid basis. Robert Half
has been named one of the Fortune® Most Admired
Companies™ and Most Innovative Companies and a Forbes
Best Employer for Diversity. Explore our comprehensive solutions,
research and insights at RobertHalf.com.
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SOURCE Robert Half