IT managers admit that they feel overwhelmed

Senior IT executives are struggling to manage their workload, with an adverse effect on strategic planning, according to a survey by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The majority (78 per cent) of respondents find prioritising work a problem, while 61 per cent say they are too busy “doing” to have time to think. Innovation is also suffering, with 68 per cent of respondents not putting new product development high on the agenda.

The danger is that the lack of focus will slow company growth, according to CMI corporate affairs director Jo Causon.

“If executives are constantly fire-fighting, there is not much time to spend on the big issues,” said Causon.

“While the IT sector is booming, it is important not to be too focused on the short term and still develop fresh ideas.”

Management issues could also be suffering. Only 38 per cent of respondents find it easy to make time for their staff, compared with an average of 49 per cent in other sectors. Only one in four claim that internal talent management is important to their employer. And just 30 per cent agree with the statement that they understand how their career will progress.

“Making time for staff is harder for IT managers, but they need to improve and develop their team,” said Causon.

The work/life balance is also under stress. More than half (60 per cent) of respondents find it hard to get home on time and just one in 10 strongly agree that they can relax in their free time.

But there is still an optimistic attitude among IT managers ­ 83 per cent say they cannot wait to get up in the morning and 75 per cent find it easy to keep positive.