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Technology Upgrades and Security Are Top of Mind for CIOs

TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2016 /CNW/ - According to the most recent Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report, most Canadian CIOs will either maintain, or grow, their technology teams in the first half of 2017. Survey results revealed that four per cent plan to add new staff, while 85 per cent intend to hire for open IT roles. Additionally, upgrading existing systems for business efficiency topped the list of tech leaders' most pressing concerns for the coming year.

Executives were asked, "In addition to recruitment, which of the following do you anticipate will be top of mind for you in the next six months?" Their responses:

• Upgrading existing systems (43 per cent)
• Maintaining security of IT systems/safeguarding company information (25 per cent)
• Innovation or helping grow the business (18 per cent)
• Investing in new technologies (8 per cent)
• Staff retention (6 per cent)

Executives were also asked, "What is your company's plan for hiring full-time IT employees in the next six months?" Their responses:*

• Adding more staff to IT departments (4 per cent)
• Hiring only for open IT roles (85 per cent)
• Putting IT hiring plans on hold (12 per cent)
• Reducing IT staff (none)

*Responses do not total 100 per cent due to rounding.

View a video of the research highlights, or the previous IT Hiring Forecast and Trend Report.

"Heading into 2017, technology leaders look to establish more multifaceted IT teams, capable of introducing enhanced security tools and innovative systems solutions," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager of Robert Half Technology. "Companies continue to focus on hiring strategically, and the most sought-after IT professionals are those who are able to evolve their skills to help businesses meet advanced networking and data management needs."

The report is based on interviews with more than 270 CIOs in Canada who were asked to provide a six-month hiring outlook.

Recruiting Challenges & Skills in Demand

Hiring challenges remain, as 21 per cent of CIOs said it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals today. They also cited the following skills as being in greatest demand within their organizations:

• Network administration (62 per cent)
• Database management (61 per cent)
• Wireless network management (58 per cent)

Survey Methodology

The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. To ensure that companies from all segments were represented in the study, the sample was stratified by number of employees. The results were weighted to reflect the appropriate employee population in Canada. The margin of error is +/-5.0 per cent at the 90 per cent confidence level. Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis and has been tracking IT hiring activity in Canada since 1995.

About Robert Half Technology

With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalf.ca/technology. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2017 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions. Follow blog.roberthalf.ca, and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

Contact: Naz Araghian
(416) 865-2140
naz.araghian@roberthalf.com

SOURCE Robert Half Technology

Image with caption: "Canadian CIOs top concerns for 2017 (CNW Group/Robert Half Technology)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161208_C7810_PHOTO_EN_834035.jpg