31% of women in tech mull quitting their job: Report
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Poor management, lack of training and want for better compensation will make nearly a third (31%) of women in tech ponder leaving their organisation over the next 12 months, according to Skillsoft’s annual Women in Tech report.
When asked to state their reasons for choosing to leave a job or employer, 40% cited department or company management as the top factor, 39% cited lack of training and growth, and only 26% said compensation was an influence.
“85% of our survey respondents say there’s a gender disparity within their team and 38% are dissatisfied with their growth potential,” said Orla Daly, chief information officer at Skillsoft. “We’re at a tipping point where the risk of attrition threatens to significantly widen an already prominent gender gap in the tech industry.”The Skillsoft Women in Tech survey, conducted online from September 2023 to January 2024, received more than 500 complete responses from women working in the tech industry in tech roles.“While there are more opportunities for women than ever before, leaders must provide intentional support and foster the development of critical skills so that they can thrive, lead, and push the business forward,” Daly said.
The survey found a top impediment confronting women pursuing careers in tech is lack of training, particularly upskilling in advancing technologies such as generative AI (GenAI).With regards to training, women in tech are primarily seeking hands-on practice (43%) and delivery format flexibility (40%), such as instructor-led training.When asked which tech-related topic evinces the most learner interest, the greatest portion of respondents (41%) said AI. However, three out of five said they are not yet using AI at work, and of those who are, 63% said they have not received adequate training and resources to integrate the technology into their work.“The involvement and empowerment of women in AI is essential to ensuring the technology is designed and implemented in ways that are equitable and inclusive,” said Daly.
“Diversity fosters innovation, and therefore advancing women's skills in AI can lead to the development of more creative and equitable solutions to business problems,” she said.
Besides AI, women in tech are most interested in developing skills in leadership and management (37%) and project management (23%).
Following growth potential, respondents expressed greatest dissatisfaction with managerial support (29%), current pay (28%), and diversity, equity and inclusion (25%).
Only 27% of women in tech reported being extremely satisfied with their job. The top pieces of advice for women pursuing tech-related careers include investing in education, finding mentors and building power skills.
According to the report, 36% of the respondents said they have improved skills in tech-related areas by earning certifications. Half of the women in tech say they feel more confident when they have certifications, while a third feel they garner more trust and credibility among colleagues.