Many women in tech say work-life balance is their biggest struggle. A survey by recruitment firm Lorien found that 45% of women in the industry struggle to balance their roles with personal life. Almost 30% flagged gender bias and discrimination as major hurdles.
Darren Topping, director of enterprise solutions at Impellam Group, emphasized that while more women are entering tech, we can’t relax. “We need to ensure they have equal chances for advancement and representation at senior levels,” he said, adding that a real inclusive workplace recognizes work-life balance as a necessity, not a luxury.
The number of women entering tech has grown, but it’s been slow. Research from BCS shows the proportion of women in the UK tech sector increased just 4% from 2018 to 2022, sitting at 20% in 2022. A lack of inclusive culture is often cited as a reason women hesitate to join or stay in tech.
Interestingly, 75% of women surveyed by Lorien believe their work environment is inclusive. Yet, only a quarter feel they have the same career advancement opportunities as their male peers. Societal inequalities also come into play; women often have care responsibilities, making flexible work options vital in tech roles.
Almost 30% believe flexible work trends will significantly affect women in the future. The Tech Talent Charter found that 12% of women left their tech jobs to better handle care responsibilities. Additionally, 40% said their decision to stay in their role hinges on current care responsibilities.
Topping pointed out the importance of flexible working policies, equal parental support, and clear career pathways. When companies prioritize mental health, manage workloads fairly, and promote supportive leadership, they help women succeed.
The survey revealed that 31% of women felt most supported by in-house training from their employer, while professional networks followed closely. Although 12% cited the lack of mentorship as a barrier, only 17% found mentorship programs to be their primary support.
Women often face pressure to find role models in tech; seeing others succeed can inspire them. However, nearly half cited their interest in technology itself as the main reason for pursuing tech careers, while only 6% were influenced by role models.
Many women are attracted to tech due to job availability, with 25% naming it as a reason, and 20% attracted by the high salaries. Nevertheless, women still feel underrepresented; 54% believe that other women are often discouraged from entering tech.
Various factors hold women back from pursuing tech roles. For instance, 49% said they would be more likely to join a company if they heard career stories from other women there. Moreover, 56% felt it would help if there was evidence of gender balance within the workforce.
Initiatives like equality programs, female support networks, and strong female leadership can significantly boost a woman’s likelihood of joining a tech company. One in five women advised seeking mentorship in the field, while 22% stressed the importance of professional networks.
Keeping skills updated was the most common piece of advice from women in tech, with 39% highlighting its importance. Also, 40% feel increased representation of women in leadership is key to attracting more women to the sector. A quarter pointed to robust gender equality practices as equally vital.
Annelise Smith, managing director at Impellam Group, stated, “Companies can’t afford to be passive about gender diversity in tech. Women are capable and confident, but systemic barriers persist. Firms that ignore these issues might lose top talent to competitors that prioritize inclusion and equal opportunity.”
