RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT IT STAFF ARE WORKING LONGER HOURS. THE NUMBER OF IT STAFF WORKING MORE THAN 40 HOURS A WEEK HAS INCREASED BY ALMOST 10 PER CENT SINCE 2009. THIS INCREASE IN WORKING HOURS HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY A LACK OF IT STAFF AND THE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS STUDYING TECHNOLOGY-RELATED DEGREES. WITH SUCH A SHORTAGE, HOW CAN ORGANISATIONS ACHIEVE A BALANCE BETWEEN KEEPING THEIR STAFF HAPPY, WHILST ENSURING PROJECT DEADLINES ARE MET?
“The idea of mutual obligation plays a strong role in maintaining the balance between keeping staff happy while hitting deadlines,” commented Kareem Tawansi, CEO of software development provider, Solentive Software.
“Employers must be seen to be looking out for the long-term welfare of their employees, especially when they are expecting their staff to work longer hours to meet project deadlines. Therefore, employers need to give back to those who go above and beyond. Ideally, this will come in the form of time-in-lieu during quieter times to allow employees to recharge,” Kareem advises.
“Missing project deadlines or being over budget can often result from various factors. Sometimes these factors are productivity-related; for example, poor quality work being performed or inefficient work practices (such as too much time spent on non-work related activities). In these situations, employers should discipline unproductive employees. This situation would never arise for well-motivated employees,” concluded Kareem.