Page 38 - BusinessWest August 4, 2021

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Delcie Bean says an IT workforce that was remarkably stable in 2020 has entered a time of “tremendous transition.”
demand for IT talent. During the pandemic, nearly every company increased their use and dependence on technology, which requires more people to keep systems up and running. As the economy improves, companies are pursuing more projects and thus increasing their need for IT talent. The pandemic also made it acceptable to hire people who work only remotely, creating even more opportunities for IT pros.
“With the increased dependence on technology, an improved econ- omy, and the ability to work remotely, we’re seeing employers do things they would not have done before,” he said.
Joel Mollison, president of Northeast IT Systems, noted that, unlike others in IT support, his 18-person company does not have high work- er turnover. He credits that to attracting IT staff who enjoy working with Northeast’s varied client list, which covers sectors from insurance and healthcare to manufacturing, municipalities, and even cannabis.
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One notable challenge to retain- ing his workforce involves compa- nies such as banks, manufacturers, and other industries that are looking to bring their IT support in-house, he said. “As a service provider in Western Mass., we’re competing against much larger institutions in the region who can pay IT profes- sionals more.”
As security issues receive promi- nent news coverage, companies worry more about ransomware attacks and similar threats. Mollison believes this is part of the reason firms are increasingly looking for in- house IT staff.
“The larger the business, the more complex their systems are, and the more they need IT professionals to manage them,” he explained.
“
are leaving are pursuing remote-work opportunities that didn’t exist before the pandemic. Most of these companies are not local
and would never have interviewed or offered jobs to these workers in the past.”
Many of those who
Bean agreed that IT security issues have increased the pressure for companies to be proactive in preventing major disruptions, pointing out that much of the job growth is the result of companies expanding their internal IT staff both regionally and on a national level.
“All these companies are doing this because the growing economy gives them a little more money and it can be a luxury to have your IT support in-house.”
Jeremiah Beaudry, owner of Bloo Solutions, agrees, but believes that, after companies build up their internal IT staffing, they usually return to outsourcing with an external service provider once they real-
38 AUGUST 4, 2021
TECHNOLOGY
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BusinessWest