IT staff retention is shaping up to be one of the biggest challenges facing CIOs in 2012.

To combat a "chronic" skills shortage, CIOs should look to engage more independent, middle-aged contractors who, while wanting to work on their own terms, are good value and don't come with the artificial demands of Gen-Y workers, says a former CIO turned consultant.

Renowned for their arrogance and fleeting company ties, Generation Y workers are now more loyal thanks the adverse economic climate a new survey has revealed.

Generation Y is known for being high-maintenance in the workplace. So when an economic downturn brings Gen Y workers pink slips instead of promotions, you might think they'll wither like flowers. In fact, they may be better positioned for survival than their older co-workers.