Stress & burnout rise among Europe's IT professionals

The wellbeing of European IT professionals has come under threat as an increasing number report experiencing stress and burnout due to workplace pressures.

According to new research from ISACA, a significant proportion of IT professionals in Europe—73%—have reported stress linked to their jobs. This stress stems primarily from heavy workloads, as indicated by 61% of respondents, and is exacerbated by tight deadlines and insufficient resources.

The internal pressures faced by IT professionals are intensified by external factors such as the ongoing skills gap in the industry, which places additional burdens on the existing workforce. Many IT professionals entered the field drawn by the problem-solving and creative aspects, as highlighted by 45% of survey participants. Moreover, 47% express retention in their roles due to their interest in the work.

Chris Dimitriadis, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ISACA, emphasised the need for companies to support their employees: "With skilled employees in such high demand, it is in companies' best interests and simply the right thing to do to make sure the tech workforce feels supported, motivated, and invested in. Younger IT professionals are switching jobs at a much higher rate, highlighting the need for better retention strategies, including clear career growth pathways and a focus on work-life balance. At the same time, experienced professionals must be given the support they need to stay engaged and continue contributing their expertise. A balanced, well-supported workforce is key to sustaining the industry's growth and innovation."

Despite the challenges faced, there are signs of progress regarding career development in the IT sector. A notable 90% of European IT professionals have pursued certifications to advance their careers, and 74% have reported that their employers consider or support these efforts.

Mentorship appears to be another area of concern for IT professionals. Although 76% of those surveyed value having good mentors or role models, only 15% currently have access to such support. This lack of mentorship was noted by 24% of respondents as a frustration upon entering the sector.

Sarah Orton, UK and Europe lead for ISACA's SheLeadsTech initiative, outlined steps that companies can take to support their workforce: "It's clear that those working in the IT sector enjoy their roles but are being stretched to their limits by the persistent skills gap, underfunding, and a rapidly evolving and demanding sector. There are practical steps businesses can take - by creating mentorship programmes, investing in training and certifications, and establishing more accessible entry-level programmes, they will relieve common pain points and improve areas of employee fulfilment and satisfaction. With this kind of support, businesses can build a more motivated, productive, inclusive and equitable workforce – in turn building cyber resilience."

The survey findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to enhance support structures within IT roles, which could include improved mentorship, work-life balance, and career development strategies. These changes are vital to alleviating stress and retaining talent within the industry.