* IT leaders in the public sector should expect a surge of retirements
IT leaders in the public sector need to begin preparing for a surge of staff retirements, according to a new report from the National Association of State CIOs professional association.
NASCIO’s report, “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?” is based on online responses from 46 states. The results indicate that 27% of state IT workers will be eligible for retirement within the next five years, exacerbating the challenges the public sector has in attracting skilled workers.
“The results reflect a growing anticipation by states of an upcoming shortage in the state government IT workforce,” says Terri Takai, CIO of Michigan and outgoing NASCIO president. “State CIOs must continue to focus on the challenges that lie ahead with projected record retirements in the near future.”
Most state governments are run by large portions of Baby Boomers, and the Southern and Western regions appear to have the highest rates of anticipated retirements. Being eligible for retirement doesn’t necessarily mean that those workers will in fact retire in the near future. Measures states are taking to encourage IT staff to postpone retirement include providing retention bonuses, offering more interesting assignments, and informally asking employees to stay.
The problem is many states are already facing challenges attracting the qualified IT pros they need. A full 54.3% of respondents say the shortage of candidates is hindering their ability to achieve strategic IT initiatives. These public sector employees generally seek entry-level workers who possess a bachelor’s degree and also consider IT certifications in the hiring process.
In order to help overcome the expected IT staffing shortage, states are working to make their jobs more appealing to IT employees as well as considering outsourcing as an option for certain areas of IT.
For more survey results, click here.
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