Your internal IT team is the backbone of your business’s operations, but even the best teams can get overwhelmed. As technology environments grow more complex and security threats evolve, many companies find their IT staff struggling to keep up. So how do you know when it’s time to bring in outside help? Here are the signs your internal IT team might be stretched too thin—and what you can do about it.
1. Constant Firefighting Instead of Strategic Planning
If your IT staff spends most of their time putting out fires – fixing printers, rebooting servers, resetting passwords – they likely don’t have time to focus on strategic initiatives that actually drive the business forward. A managed IT partner can handle day-to-day maintenance and support, freeing your team to focus on innovation.
2. Missed Updates and Security Patches
Falling behind on software updates, patches, or compliance requirements? That’s a red flag. These delays can leave your organization vulnerable to security breaches or regulatory fines. An external partner can ensure your systems stay updated and secure without overloading your internal team.
3. Growing Ticket Volumes and Slow Response Times
When tickets pile up and employees wait hours (or days) for help, productivity takes a hit. If your IT staff can’t keep up with service desk requests, it might be time to augment your team with a managed service provider (MSP) that offers 24/7 support and scalable resources.
4. Lack of Specialized Knowledge
Modern IT environments often require expertise in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, networking, and more. If your in-house staff doesn’t have all the skills needed – or doesn’t have time to stay current – an MSP can provide access to specialists without the cost of full-time hires.
5. High Turnover or Burnout
Overworked teams are at higher risk of burnout and turnover. If your IT staff is stressed, frequently working overtime, or showing signs of fatigue, it’s time to re-evaluate your support strategy. In fact, 66% of IT professionals say their team is understaffed and overworked, leading to increased stress and burnout [Source: Spiceworks Ziff Davis, 2024]. Supplemental help can ease the load and improve morale.
6. Delayed IT Projects
Are new initiatives, upgrades, or migrations always delayed or put on hold? That may indicate your team is too overwhelmed to take on anything new. You’re not alone: 60% of SMBs report they’ve delayed or canceled key IT projects due to a lack of internal resources [Source: Techaisle SMB IT Trends Report, 2023]. An MSP can step in to help plan and execute projects while your staff keeps operations running smoothly.
7. Limited Coverage Outside Business Hours
Security incidents and outages don’t wait for business hours. If your team can’t provide support around the clock, you’re at risk of extended downtime. A managed services partner ensures 24/7 coverage and rapid response.
When to Consider a Managed IT Partner
Partnering with a managed service provider doesn’t mean replacing your internal IT staff – it means empowering them. MSPs can act as an extension of your team, taking on repetitive tasks, providing access to specialized knowledge, and ensuring coverage when your team needs a break.
If you recognize any of these signs in your organization, it might be time to explore a hybrid IT model that gives your internal team the support they need to thrive.