IT workers at the limit: three quarters complain of stress and burnout

Almost three quarters of IT professionals in Europe (73%) complain of work-related stress and burnout, according to a survey by the global professional association Isaca. According to the survey, stress is mainly caused by a heavy workload (61%), tight deadlines (44%) and a lack of resources (43%).

For 47 percent, managers did not make it any easier either – Difficult or unsupportive bosses would affect their well-being at work. Added to this is the skills shortage in the industry, which leads to more work being placed on the shoulders of existing employees.

Good career options

Nevertheless, many IT professionals in Europe do not seem to have lost their job satisfaction: 47% wanted to stay in their current job because they find it interesting. 45 percent stated that they chose to work in this sector because they like the problem-solving and creative aspects.

The career options also speak in favor of the IT job from the respondents' point of view: 68 percent of those surveyed had received a salary increase or promotion in the last two years. Almost three quarters (74 percent) also reported that their employer would offer or pay for certifications as part of their career development. 90 percent would also have sought certifications to advance their career.

Lack of role models and mentors

However, entry into the industry is bumpy. 30 percent complain about the high demand for specialist IT knowledge in certain areas. Almost a quarter lacked mentors and support when entering the sector. Only 15 percent had a mentor at all. At the same time, according to the survey, 76 percent said that good mentors and role models were important.

"It is clear that employees in the IT sector are happy to do their jobs, but are reaching their limits due to the persistent skills gap, underfunding and the rapidly developing and demanding sector," says Chris Dimitriadis, Global Strategy Officer at Isaca, summing up the results. Younger IT specialists in particular are changing jobs more frequently, and companies need to do more to retain employees, Dimitriadis demands. And offer experienced employees the support they need to maintain their commitment.

The results are part of a global survey for which, according to Isaca, 7726 people were questioned. Isaca does not provide information on how many IT professionals were surveyed in Germany.

(axk)