A new report has highlighted a growing gender imbalance, a shortage of women in senior roles, as well as a drop in job satisfaction for women in the tech industry.
The 2023 Women in Tech Report, from e-learning platform Skillsoft, revealed that nearly half (45%) of women technologists indicated that they are now outnumbered by men in the workplace by ratios of four-to-one or greater – a significant increase from 25% who said the same in 2021.
LACK OF EQUITY
This reported gender disparity is even more pronounced at the executive and senior levels of leadership, according to the study which explores the challenges and areas of opportunity for women working in tech. It found that among technology professionals with at least 26 years of experience, 15% of men hold executive-level positions compared to just 4% of women. Meanwhile, 30% of female technologists are reporting dissatisfaction with their current growth potential and 36% are considering leaving their jobs due to a lack of equity in opportunities.
Despite these obstacles, career growth remains a top priority for female technologists. 92% said professional development and training is an extremely or very important benefit, and when asked about ways employers can better support them, the top three responses were by providing professional development and training, more coaching, mentoring, and career counselling, and equitable pay, respectively. Additionally, female technologists are actively seeking opportunities to build leadership skills and move into senior roles. More than a third (34%) have earned certifications in leadership and management over the past year, up from 27% in 2021. Leadership and management is also respondents’ top skill area of interest (41%), jumping from the number four spot in 2021.
SIGNIFICANT GENDER GAP IN TECH
“Despite the efforts of organisations to make diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace a greater priority, our research shows that the gender gap remains quite wide and significant work is needed to achieve true parity at all levels,” said Orla Daly, Chief Information Officer, Skillsoft.
“Women in technology are calling for more opportunities to advance their careers via leadership development, technical training, coaching, and mentorship. Meanwhile, organisations are facing a critical need for technology and leadership competencies. This presents a mutual growth opportunity that helps organisations thrive and empowers women to increase their impact by filling these critical gaps.”
DECLINING JOB SATISFACTION
Job satisfaction rates are declining, which poses a risk for retention, noted the report. Just 28% of female technologists report being extremely satisfied with their jobs compared to 44% in 2021. Their top three areas of dissatisfaction are with growth potential, current pay, and managerial support, respectively. Nearly 40% of respondents are considering switching job roles. Their top three reasons for doing so are better compensation, lack of equity in opportunities, and ineffective leadership, respectively.
Training should be topical and timely for both employees and organisations, according to the study. Following leadership and management, female technologists are most interested in upskilling in analytics, AI, and machine learning, project management, and cybersecurity, respectively. This aligns with critical business needs, as cybersecurity and AI and machine learning are among the top three priority areas of investment for organizations. Women in tech care about how they’re learning. Above all else, they are seeking training opportunities that provide hands-on practice (40%). 37% also said they select training programs based on their preferred delivery formats, such as instructor-led training or on-demand content.
SUPPORTIVE BENEFITS
Benefits that support women inside and out of the workplace can be impactful, noted the report.While only 34% of respondents have access to coaching, mentoring, and career counselling services, 82% cite this benefit as extremely or very important. Only 55% of respondents have access to family leave benefits, despite 81% citing it as extremely or very important. Access to remote work increased the most for women in technology between 2021 and 2023, up 33 percentage points.
Click here to access the 2023 Women in Tech Report.
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