Three fifths of IT administrators want out, but that's better than last year

A recent survey of IT professionals found that 57 percent would consider leaving their jobs due to workplace stress. Believe it or not, this is an improvement from 67 percent who were ready to call it quits last year.

That's the finding of a survey of 207 IT administrators, released by GFI Software, which delved into the stressors that weigh on their jobs these days.

What's causing the stress? Their bosses.

Nearly one third of those surveyed, 29 percent, cited dealing with managers as their most stressful job requirement. The other top sources of workplace stress for IT managers are a lack of IT staff and tight deadlines, with 24 percent and 20 percent of respondents, respectively, citing these as primary contributors to their stress levels.

Interestingly, users are the smallest source of stress, contributing to the stress level of 12 percent of IT admins.

There are repercussions on respondents' health

More than one fifth, 21 percent, said that IT administrators have suffered stress-related health issues – such as high blood pressure – due to their work. This number remains unchanged from last year.

In addition, another 20 percent indicated that they "do not feel great physically" as a result of stress. Another 34 percent of respondents "have lost sleep due to work". Fortunately, this is an eight-point drop from 42 percent last year.

Wait, there's more: Another 16 percent revealed that they have experienced a strained or failed relationship due to work stress.

The stressful workloads IT admins face also results in long hours

Nearly one third of those surveyed work more than eight hours of overtime each week in order to keep on top of their workload. That is the equivalent of working more than 10 weeks a year in overtime.

IT executives need to take heed of these reports, as the success if their ventures depends on the people who make it all happen.