Rapid change, evolving business priorities and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) are creating huge challenges for today's technology leaders and significant skills gaps within their teams, according to a new report from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half, “Building Future-Ready Technology Teams.”
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of technology leaders surveyed say there is a skills gap within their department, and 62% feel the impact of the skills gap is greater now than it was a year ago.
Technology leaders are noticing new skills gaps within their teams.
Skills gap threatens business priorities
According to the survey, the top priorities for technology leaders this year are:
- IT Systems and Information Security
- AI, machine learning and automation initiatives
- Cloud Project
- Technology Modernization
- Software Engineering and Development
A limited number of available talent and a large technology skills gap can put these projects at risk, forcing them to make cutting corners decisions that could negatively impact their business. Nearly all technology leaders (95%) report difficulty finding skilled talent, and more than half (51%) expect a shortage of applicants with the necessary skill sets to support key initiatives will be a major hiring challenge.
“It's more important than ever to have a talent strategy that aligns with your long-term vision and goals,” said Ryan Sutton, executive director of technology talent solutions at Robert Half. “Without a clear recruitment and retention plan to close the technology skills gap, it will be difficult to achieve goals and complete mission-critical projects.”
AI highlights skills gap
The emergence of new AI capabilities is accelerating the need to close the skills gap. As the report notes, 90% of tech leaders plan to implement AI-related initiatives this year, and 48% say a lack of staff with AI skills is the biggest barrier to success. Additionally, AI and machine learning top the list of skills where tech managers say the gaps are most pronounced.
Organizations looking to leverage AI are looking for candidates with both technical and soft skills, including problem-solving, communication, creative thinking, business acumen, etc. And depending on the professional's role within the business, the knowledge and skills needed to effectively leverage AI include:
- programming
- Data Analysis and Statistics
- Machine Learning
- Software Engineering
- Ethics and Responsible AI
- Big Data Technology
- Deep Learning Frameworks
- Computer Vision
Building a future-ready technical team
To help you recruit, retain and develop a great technology team, Robert Half recommends the following strategies:
- Find and develop high-potential candidates. Focus on recruiting technical candidates who are motivated to learn new skills that support your business priorities, and provide training to promising candidates who may not meet all of your desired criteria.
- Adopt a scalable talent model: Hiring a mix of full-time, contract, and consulting professionals allows you to fill skills gaps quickly and efficiently, giving your teams access to experts with the expertise to move projects forward and stay agile.
- We help you upskill. We implement programs that encourage innovative thinking and continuous learning, helping you and your organization prepare for the future and retain your talent.
Sutton added: “Today's technology professionals must continually evolve and refine their skill sets and capabilities to be effective in their roles. And technology leaders must provide ample training opportunities and leverage internal and external talent to address business priorities and uncover new opportunities.”
About the Research
Data for the report comes from a survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in October and November 2023. The survey included responses from approximately 700 technology leaders at director level or above at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States.
