What Keeps CIOs Up At Night?

Ever wondered what keeps CIOs tossing and turning at night? Robert Half Technology's new report -- "The CIO Insomnia Project" -- indicates that data security is the primary worry keeping them up at night.

The survey of more than 1,400 U.S. CIOs, released Thursday, found that information security is the number one concern among 24 percent of CIOs, followed by hardware and/or operating systems upgrades, with 13 percent of the response. Heavy workloads (10 percent), sufficient budgets to fund projects (10 percent) and keeping pace with technology innovation (9 percent) also were ranked as top concerns by CIOs.

In addition, 63 percent of CIOs said that understaffing at least somewhat affects their organizations' ability to implement innovative technologies.

The survey also found that some CIOs are paying more attention to retention, admitting that staffing limits have placed a heavier burden on IT employees who have taken on additional responsibilities as a result of the recession. Thirty-four percent of CIOs indicated they are somewhat or very concerned about losing top IT performers to other job opportunities in the next year, while 65 percent said they are not concerned at all.

But Robert Half suggests CIOs who aren't concerned about losing workers should be. A separate survey by Robert Half International indicates that nearly 40 percent of workers say the recession has made them more open to other job opportunities when the economy turns around.

As a federal IT worker, what keeps you up at night? Are heavy workloads and understaffing among your top concerns?