Leaving an IT role unfilled might seem like a cost-saving strategy, but in reality, it’s bleeding your business dry. From project delays to security risks, the cost of vacancy (COV) in IT is higher than you think.
You might not see the number ticking up on a spreadsheet, but the impact is real: delayed projects, security vulnerabilities, overworked teams, and frustrated customers. In today’s tech-driven world, companies can’t afford to leave IT roles open for too long. Let’s break down the hidden costs of an empty IT seat—and why a strategic staffing approach is the solution.
The True Cost of a Vacancy in IT
Project Delays and Revenue Loss
When a critical IT role is vacant, projects slow down—or worse, stall completely. Whether it’s a system upgrade, cloud migration, or cybersecurity enhancement, every delay impacts revenue and operational efficiency. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), each unfilled position costs companies an average of $4,129 over a 42-day vacancy period, which equates to approximately $98 per day in lost productivity. For revenue-generating roles, the cost can escalate to as high as $7,000 to $10,000 per month.
Increased Security Risks
Cyber threats don’t wait for you to fill your open security analyst or cloud architect role. A lean IT team may struggle to monitor systems effectively, leaving your business vulnerable to breaches, data leaks, and compliance violations. The longer a security role stays open, the higher the chance of an incident—and the average cost of a data breach in 2023 hit $4.45 million globally.
Overworked Employees and Burnout
An empty seat doesn’t mean the work disappears. Instead, existing team members take on extra tasks, leading to stress, burnout, and ultimately, turnover. Replacing an IT employee can cost up to 150% of their annual salary, making retention a key priority. A single vacant position can trigger a domino effect, pushing valuable employees out the door.
Missed Innovation Opportunities
Tech moves fast. If your organization is understaffed, you’re not just maintaining the status quo—you’re falling behind. Businesses with IT talent gaps struggle to implement new technologies, optimize systems, or stay competitive in an evolving market. What’s the cost of missing out on AI advancements, cloud efficiencies, or automation? More than you think.
Customer Experience Takes a Hit
Your customers expect seamless digital experiences, fast response times, and secure transactions. If IT vacancies cause slow service, technical issues, or downtime, customers will notice—and they won’t hesitate to take their business elsewhere. According to a recent study, 91% of customers leave a brand after just one bad experience.
How BGSF Helps You Fill IT Gaps—Fast
The longer a role stays open, the bigger the impact. But hiring the right IT talent doesn’t have to be a slow or painful process. BGSF specializes in IT staffing and managed solutions to keep your business running smoothly, no matter the challenge.
Rapid Placement – Whether you need contract, contract-to-hire, or direct hire IT professionals, we quickly match you with top-tier candidates.
Industry Experts – Our recruiters specialize in IT, ensuring you get the right skills and experience for your unique needs.
Scalable Solutions – Need one key hire or an entire project team? We adapt to your business goals.
Risk Reduction – Reduce security vulnerabilities, prevent burnout, and keep innovation on track with the right talent in place.
Don’t Let an Empty IT Seat Cost You More
An open IT position doesn’t just impact your team—it affects your entire business. Don’t let project delays, security risks, and burnout pile up. BGSF is here to connect you with the IT professionals you need to stay ahead. Let’s fill that seat before it costs you more. Connect with us today.
Comments