Affiniti warns against kneejerk job cuts

Integrator Affiniti is urging IT managers to resist a kneejerk reaction to the downturn by culling staff.

The firm commissioned research among key IT decisions makers, which revealed that 37 per cent will be cutting costs by reducing IT staff levels, rather than seeking an alternative solution.

A total of 42 per cent of respondents felt that IT would play a vital role in helping their companies through the downturn, just 25 per cent saw helping their company increase revenues as an objective, and 35 per cent saw customer satisfaction as a priority.

Also, despite 75 per cent of organisations experiencing pressure to reduce IT operating expenditure immediately or within the next six to 12 months, just three per cent are looking to reduce internal SLAs.

A further seven per cent would consider using more managed services as a cost-saving alternative to staff cuts.

Paul Renucci, executive director at Affiniti, said: “IT departments must look for alternative cost-saving strategies to headcount reduction, which ultimately distracts attention from the most important issues.

“Without focusing on affecting revenues and increasing customer satisfaction, IT departments risk missing out on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get away from being seen just as a cost centre.

“They must present themselves to the board not only as delivering intelligent cost savings in the short term, but also as leading innovation which will underpin a successful strategy during the upturn.”