Blog The Public Sector's Journey Through COVID-19 — As Told by Data
Data tells a human story of public sector IT professionals braving COVID-19 disruption.
By Scott Friedlander / 28 Oct 2020 / Topics: Modern workplace Mobility
Type "coronavirus data" into Google and you'll get a search volume of about 8.16 billion. It's a massive number. Why? Because during a global pandemic caused by a novel virus with no known cure, the unknown is scary — and we want answers. Data gives us answers.
But while data for case counts, mortality rates and more are frequently sought, there's a big question being asked among our public sector clients, one that's simple but very human: How is public sector IT handling this internally?
In the spirit of this question, Insight conducted its annual pulse survey with a key theme we wouldn’t have foreseen just a year ago. That said, I'm excited to share some notable findings from our public sector-focused edition of the 2020 Insight Intelligent Technology™ Index Pulse Survey.
We asked government IT professionals representing the largest agencies across the U.S. (1,000+ employees) how they've weathered the impact of the global pandemic. We explored everything from readiness to downtime, budget changes, future tech investments, cultural values and more. The data paints a picture of how the public sector is doing amid the pandemic.
- 63% of those we surveyed felt at least "very" or "extremely" prepared to handle changes due to COVID-19. And that was true across all agency types (federal, state and local).
- More than half experienced 3–4 weeks of downtime or more while their organization adapted IT systems and processes.
- On average, public sector organizations had to manage or implement four IT changes in their initial response to COVID-19.
- 44% had to secure access and data outside the perimeter of their trusted network.
- 43% reported needing to manage or implement user enablement and support for remote workers.
- 41% had to manage or implement collaboration tools and voice communication for remote workers.
- 51% plan to invest in smart personal hygiene devices to help return to a state of normalcy.
And perhaps the most significant stat: 85% feel that IT's role within the organization will become "somewhat" or "significantly greater" as a result of the pandemic. As one respondent put it, "Digital access is now like oxygen."
That puts a great burden on IT to ensure access for employees, no matter where the work is getting done. The good news is that our clients in the public sector are approaching the disruption with a can-do attitude. With the right strategy and an adaptable mindset, I see a brighter future ahead — despite the disruption of COVID-19.
Can real-time data lead the charge for disease prevention? This infographic shares eye-opening insights.
If you’d like to see more data from our research, you can read the full report here. I'm excited for how our public sector clients will use this information to reflect on their own experiences during this time of great challenges as well as opportunities.
Futureproof your organization. Insight Connected Platform helps you embrace IoT to build a safe return-to-work space for everyone.
About the Author:
Scott Friedlander
Sr. Vice President of Insight Public Sector
With more than 25 years of executive, operation and general management success, Scott leads the Insight Public Sector arm across Insight’s four solution areas: Supply Chain Optimization, Connected Workforce, Cloud + Data Center Transformation and Digital Innovation. He develops and oversees execution of Insight’s strategic, go-to-market and human capital plans.
