The Struggles of IT Personnel in Small Businesses: Insights from a Recent Survey

In an era where digital transformation (DX) is critical, information systems (IS) personnel in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves stretched too thin. A survey conducted by VenuSys, a Tokyo-based company dedicated to supporting the growth of IT professionals, sheds light on the work conditions of these essential workers, revealing alarming insights into their workloads, skills, and overall job satisfaction.

Key Findings of the Survey

1. A Majority Operate Alone: It was discovered that over half (55%) of IS personnel work independently in their roles. This solitary setup points to a wider issue of burdensome workloads, as these individuals tackle responsibilities ranging from PC management to security measures and help desk duties.

2. Long Working Hours: The survey also revealed that more than 30% of these professionals report working over 31 hours of overtime monthly. This excessive strain demonstrates how IT staff are continuously trying to keep up with the demands of their roles.

3. The Dissonance Between Recognition and Job Satisfaction: Interestingly, while 82% of employees feel recognized for their contributions, a startling 55% have considered leaving their jobs due to the pressures involved. This gap highlights a disconnect between company acknowledgment and the stressful reality faced by IS staff.

4. Challenges in the Workplace: The top reported issues included excessive workloads (53%), insufficient knowledge (48%), and inadequate budgets (37%). Additionally, a lack of understanding from other departments (31%) adds another layer of difficulty as IS personnel strive to drive forward important initiatives like DX.

5. Career Uncertainty: Many respondents expressed a keen interest in enhancing their skills, especially in areas such as security (54%) and DX promotion (52%). However, over half reported that their career paths were either unclear or non-existent.

The Role of VenuSys

Recognizing these challenges, VenuSys has introduced an online training program called 'IS College' aimed at empowering IT personnel in SMEs. Through practical curriculums and robust support, this program provides participants with the necessary tools to overcome their everyday challenges, improve their skills, and fulfill their potential in driving their companies’ digital transformation.

The training allows participants to efficiently gain knowledge in critical areas, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle immediate tasks while also aiming for future growth. By addressing the common hurdles of workload, knowledge gaps, and career uncertainty, VenuSys aspires to transform the lives of those in the IS field.

Conclusion

The insights from this survey underscore the pressing issues faced by IT personnel in SMEs, highlighting the need for systemic change and support systems to ensure their professional growth. Through initiatives like the IS College, VenuSys aims to alleviate these struggles, enabling IT professionals not only to cope but to thrive in their vital roles. Small and medium-sized companies have the unique opportunity to invest in their IT staff, which will ultimately lead to a more robust and innovative business environment.

For further information and to explore solutions that can aid in overcoming these challenges, VenuSys invites all IT personnel to visit their website: VenuSys.

Survey Overview

- Method: Internet-based survey.
- Period: July 23, 2025.
- Participants: IS personnel employed in small and medium enterprises.
- Responses: 102 valid responses.

About VenuSys

Corporation VenuSys operates under the mission of supporting the growth of IT professionals through the IS College, an online training program, backed by practical curriculums and ample support for skills enhancement and career development. For more information, visit VenuSys.