IT professionals crave respect as jargon & crises fuel frustration
New survey data highlights the frustrations and preferences of IT professionals regarding workplace interactions and recognition.
SolarWinds has conducted a global survey of 437 IT workers, shedding light on the daily irritations faced by IT professionals in offices around the world. The findings indicate significant dissatisfaction with the way non-technical colleagues interact with and acknowledge members of IT teams.
Among the results, nearly one in five respondents - 19% - reported that hearing the question "You're good with computers, right?" or the statement "I didn't touch anything" provokes a particularly strong negative response. Another 18% named the oft-repeated complaint "The Wi-Fi's broken" as similarly aggravating.
Irritating buzzwords
The survey also explored the impact of workplace jargon on IT staff morale. Nearly a third of the professionals surveyed - 31% - said that hearing the term "AI" is most likely to make them want to chuck their monitor out the window. Other phrases such as "digital transformation" (15%) and "seamless integration" (13%) were also cited as particularly grating.
These buzzwords, according to the survey results, contribute to a general sense of frustration among IT professionals who feel their expertise is often trivialised or misunderstood.
Recognising IT staff
The data suggests that it is not only the language used but also the behaviours of colleagues that impact IT professionals' workplace satisfaction. Thirty-one per cent said that they feel noticed only when something breaks or a problem occurs. Additionally, 28% expressed a desire for colleagues to understand that IT teams are responsible for handling requests from every department, not just one individual or area.
When asked what would improve their working lives, the responses show a mix of practical desires and calls for appreciation. While 65% of surveyed IT professionals said they would appreciate an unlimited IT budget, more than half - 51% - indicated that a sincere "thank you" from non-IT colleagues would be meaningful to them. Another 37% stated they would appreciate a public apology from non-IT staff as a form of recognition for their efforts and the challenges they regularly face.
Expert commentary
"Every day, IT professionals keep networks secure, services running, and hybrid work alive. But it's often without fanfare and usually without thanks. Instead, they're constantly bombarded with frustrating jargon, unrealistic demands, and phrases that make their blood boil.
"While there may be no cure for corporate buzzwords, and no such thing as an unlimited IT budget, there's still plenty non-IT staff can do to make life easier for our misunderstood and underappreciated IT teams. A little patience goes a long way, and a simple 'thank you' might just be the easiest fix you give them all year."
These remarks were made by Sascha Giese, Tech Evangelist at SolarWinds, who commented on the challenges faced by IT teams and potential solutions for improving interdepartmental relations.
Daily realities
The study portrays a profession that, despite being fundamental to maintaining organisational infrastructure and security, often feels neglected except in moments of crisis. Many IT professionals report that their contributions go largely unrecognised until a problem disrupts daily operations.
The results also show a considerable desire for improved understanding and empathy from colleagues outside the IT department, suggesting that better communication and acknowledgement could yield positive results for both morale and workplace efficiency.
While enhanced budgets and resources remain out of reach for many IT teams, the survey indicates that straightforward appreciation and patience from colleagues have the potential to significantly improve the working environment for technical professionals.
