How far ahead are technology managers planning? Workforce planning in 2025 and beyond

Technology managers such as CTOs and CIOs are under immense pressure to stay ahead of the curve, not just in innovation, but in building and maintaining high-performing teams.

Recent research by Guidant Global, surveying over 240 CIOs and CTOs across the UK and EU, reveals a compelling trend: Technology leaders are planning their workforce needs further in advance than ever before. But what’s driving this forward-thinking approach to workforce planning, and why is such planning so crucial for the years ahead?

Anticipating skill shortages and business needs

According to the Guidant Global research report, a significant 68% of technology leaders have already mapped out their workforce needs for the coming year, with another 19% planning for the next one to two years. This strategic foresight is not just a matter of preference - it’s a necessity.

As organisations race to secure top AI and cybersecurity talent, the competition is fierce, and the supply of specialised skills is limited. By planning ahead, tech managers can anticipate skill shortages, manage succession, and ensure their talent acquisition efforts are closely aligned with business objectives.

Shifting workforce models to meet talent acquisition challenges

The research also highlights a decisive move away from traditional, permanent hiring models. Only 34% of organisations now rely primarily on permanent staff. Instead, nearly a third (32%) are ramping up hiring via outsourcing, 26% are increasing their use of flexible or contingent talent, and 23% are restructuring teams and roles to meet evolving business demands.

One of the top reasons for proactive workforce planning is the escalating challenge of hiring high-quality candidates with the right technical expertise. As the survey reveals, 27% of leaders cite candidate quality as their biggest challenge, followed by difficulties in sourcing specialised technical skills and meeting rising salary expectations.

Without a strategic workforce plan, organisations risk losing out to competitors with more efficient and attractive hiring processes.

Looking ahead, the demands on tech teams are set to intensify, with AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity skills topping the list of critical capabilities for the next two to three years. By planning workforce needs early, technology managers can invest in upskilling, redesign roles to integrate AI tools, and establish frameworks to govern new technologies - actions that 73% of tech leaders are already prioritising.

Aligning with technology workforce management with business priorities

The modern tech workforce is more than a collection of skill sets. It’s a strategic asset. This research report underscores that leaders who plan ahead can better align their Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives with current workforce realities.

Highlighting career development, promoting flexible work options, and offering competitive pay are all strategies that attract and retain top talent, especially in a market where only 18% of organisations aren’t struggling to attract or retain the best employees.

In an era where technological advancement is relentless and the race for talent is more competitive than ever, technology managers can’t afford to wait.

Strategic workforce planning enables them to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and secure the skills they need to drive innovation. Those who act now - investing in upskilling, experimenting with flexible workforce models, and aligning talent strategies with business goals - will gain a decisive edge in shaping the future of technology.

Download the full research report: Workforce planning trends and strategies in technology

For a deeper dive into workforce planning trends and actionable strategies, download the full report: Key Insights for Tech Talent Strategy for 2025 - 2027. Discover the data, benchmarks, and recommendations you need to stay ahead in the evolving technology talent landscape.