Women aren’t staying in the tech sector for longer than 10 years, but may come back after leaving if the circumstances are right for their returnIn the rapidly evolving world of technology, a startling trend has emerged. A recent study by Akamai, a leading tech services provider, reveals that nearly 90% of women abandon their tech careers within a decade of embarking on them. This alarming statistic underscores a significant issue within the tech industry – the retention of female talent.
The research paints a stark picture of the tech landscape for women in the UK. Over half of the women surveyed left their tech roles within the first five years, and almost 90% within ten years. This results in an average career span of just six years for a woman in the tech industry. However, the study also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that women would be open to returning to their tech careers given the right conditions.
Natalie Billingham, EMEA managing director at Akamai, commented on the findings, stating, “These insights illustrate that the UK tech industry has a window of opportunity to impact the choices of women in tech – from the past and present, and in the future.” She further emphasized the role of tech leaders in fostering an environment conducive to the growth and retention of women in the industry. By offering opportunities for career progression, flexible work arrangements, and fair remuneration, tech leaders can create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
The issue of gender disparity in the tech sector is not a new one. Previous studies have highlighted multiple reasons why the tech industry struggles to retain female workers. Among these are a lack of visible and accessible role models, limited opportunities for career progression, and inflexible work environments. The most cited reason for women leaving their tech roles was a lack of inclusive culture.
Over half of the respondents said they left because they felt out of place, 40% cited a lack of gender diversity in leadership positions, and 10% pointed to gender bias as a factor in their decision to leave. A significant 74% of women mentioned a lack of career progression as a contributing factor to their exit, with 19% stating it as the definitive reason for their departure.
The challenge of balancing work and personal life is a significant hurdle for many women in the tech sector. More than half of the women who left the industry did so due to rigid working hours. 15% stated that there was no provision for flexible working, and over 40% cited a lack of work-life balance. This could be linked to the 19% of women who reported leaving the tech industry due to burnout and the negative impact on their mental health.
Of the women who have left the tech sector, 15% are currently not working, while others have transitioned into different fields. 13% moved into finance, 13% into teaching, and 12% chose healthcare. Interestingly, over 30% stated that they voluntarily left the tech industry and prefer their new employment.
In conclusion, the tech industry must address these issues to retain and attract female talent. By fostering an inclusive culture, providing opportunities for career progression, and offering flexible work arrangements, the tech industry can ensure a diverse and vibrant workforce. The insights from Akamai’s research provide a roadmap for creating a tech industry where women can thrive and contribute to technological innovation.
