Only a third of information technology leaders plan effectively for staffing large IT infrastructure projects, according to a survey conducted by TEKsystems and CIO magazine.

Although most IT leaders believe the success of any IT initiative depends on the people driving it, they often prioritize many other considerations ahead of workforce planning — just 32 percent said they were effective at workforce planning for their large IT infrastructure projects.

Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they missed or delayed project deadlines, 62 percent report technical complications or rework and 58 percent said they’ve experienced lower levels of productivity because of ineffective workforce planning processes. The associated financial impact of these events amounted to an increase of more than 10 percent in total project costs.

Ninety-two percent of respondents said it is challenging to secure the necessary skills for large infrastructure. Additionally, 60 percent say one of the biggest challenges is the professionals with the necessary competencies are not available when needed.

“IT leaders know the importance of human capital, but workforce planning tends to be an unfortunate afterthought compared to other competing priorities,” says Garrett Haycock, TEKsystems’ VP of Network Services. “That said, workforce planning doesn’t happen on its own. We advice our clients to proactively engage partners like TEKsystems in the planning process for large IT undertakings to ensure they have the right people when and where they need them.”