IT workers are accomplishing more with fewer resources these days, but a recent survey shows it's taking a toll. More than one-third (36 percent) of chief information officers (CIOs) interviewed said rising workloads are the greatest source of stress for their teams. More than one in five CIOs (22 percent) cited the pace of new technology as the biggest stressor, followed by office politics, at 18 percent.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, and conducted by an independent research firm. It was based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CIOs from companies across the United States with 100 or more employees.

CIOs were asked, "Which of the following do you think is the greatest source of workplace stress for IT professionals?" Their responses:

• Rising workloads: 36%
• The pace of new technology:22%
• Office politics 18%
• Work/life balance issues 11%
• Commuting 7%
• Other 2%
• None 2%
• Don't know 2%

"Too much work may sound like a relatively good problem to have in today's uncertain economic climate," said Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology, "but overstressed IT workers are unlikely to perform at their best. The pressure of mounting workloads, combined with ever-evolving technologies and office politics, can quickly erode morale and adversely affect productivity.

"Many companies are addressing workload challenges by bringing in IT professionals on a contract basis to support full-time employees," continued Lee. "Businesses also are making available training and professional development opportunities to help IT workers keep pace with new technology and improve retention rates."

Aside from these tangible strategies to alleviate stress, employers can make more subtle yet equally beneficial changes. "Managers who open the lines of communication among their employees can keep teams motivated and ensure that office politics don't derail priority projects," said Lee.