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When the economy and other factors lead to IT staff reductions, CIOs have to figure out how to keep their teams stable and productive. Many would be wise to follow these three tips.
Also See:
How Mentoring Increases IT Retention
How To Tame IT Turnover
Question:
Due to the economy, our company had to lay off some IT staff. My team was already small—and a pretty tightly knit group—so these cuts have had a negative impact on morale. What can I do to motivate my remaining staff and keep them from feeling discouraged during this "rough patch"?
Katherine Spencer Lee responds:
First, it's good you've noticed your IT staff's lowered spirits and understand that you must do something to quickly remedy the situation. Maintaining team morale is critical to keeping productivity and retention levels high. Strong demand for technology talent remains in several specialty areas, and your staff may be tempted to explore other employment options, especially if they have taken on larger workloads to compensate for the loss of personnel. In a recent Robert Half Technology survey, 77% of chief information officers polled said they find it is equally or more challenging to locate skilled candidates for IT jobs than a year ago.
The following tips can help you boost staff morale in the current economy:
1. Communicate often—and candidly. Layoffs and other drastic changes can keep the rumor mill working overtime. Engaging in open communication with your employees is always best practice, but is especially critical during periods of uncertainty. If you have not done so already, meet with your team to explain any changes that are occurring, why they have taken place and what employees can expect in the future.
Be sure to emphasize the critical role each person will play in maintaining daily workflow, accomplishing key business objectives and keeping project quality high. Regularly remind your staff that even though things are difficult right now, with their help, the company and IT department can have a bright future. At the same time, avoid promising things you cannot deliver or making a situation appear better than it is. Be honest with your staff, whether you must deliver good or bad news.
2. Continue providing opportunities for professional growth. If you have asked staff members to assume larger workloads or new responsibilities, keep in mind that how you make these requests can have a direct impact on staff morale. Do you simply push the additional workload on to your employees' desks, or do you assign duties strategically? Economic uncertainty, while stressful for everyone, may present an opportunity to re-evaluate each staff member's duties and make adjustments that could allow the team to work more efficiently.
Also, make a point to seek input from your staff about how best to distribute the workload. There may be duties or projects they would like to tackle, and providing them with rewarding new challenges can keep them feeling motivated.
Next: Tip 3
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