According to Skillsoft, 31% of women in technology are considering leaving their organizations in the next 12 months. The main reason for this is poor management, followed by lack of training and a desire for better compensation.
The survey received more than 500 responses from women working in the technology industry, technology organizations and companies, and technology-related roles.
“85% of survey respondents say there is a gender disparity within their teams, and 38% are dissatisfied with their growth potential. We are at a tipping point where the gender gap could widen significantly due to the risk of attrition,” said Orla Daley, CIO at Skillsoft. She says, “There are more opportunities than ever for women, but leaders must provide intentional support and encourage the development of critical skills for women to grow, become leaders, and drive their businesses forward.” need to do it.”
Women in tech aren't getting training on evolving technology
Skillsoft research found that the biggest barrier facing women pursuing a career in technology is a lack of training, especially in evolving technologies such as generative AI. When asked which technology-related topic they would most like to learn about, most respondents said AI (41%).
Despite this desire, 60% say they are not yet using AI in their workplace, and of those who are, 63% do not have adequate training or resources to integrate the technology into their work. not.
“Women’s involvement and empowerment in AI is essential to ensure the technology is designed and implemented in an equitable and inclusive way,” Daly continued. “Diversity fosters innovation, so improving the skills of women in AI can lead to the development of more creative and equitable solutions to business problems.”
After AI, women in the tech industry are most interested in developing skills in leadership and management (37%) and project management (23%). Respondents said the three most important skills for today's technology leaders are team communication, emotional intelligence, and active listening.
Key advice for women pursuing technology-related careers includes investing in your education, finding a mentor, and building power skills.
Prioritize job satisfaction and benefits
Only 27% of women in technology report being very satisfied with their jobs, and 37% are considering changing jobs within the next year. Following growth potential, respondents expressed the greatest dissatisfaction with management support (29%), current pay (28%), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (25%).
The three most valuable benefits for organizations are flexible work hours, paid time off (PTO), and professional development and training opportunities. When it comes to training, women in tech primarily seek hands-on practice (43%) and flexibility in delivery formats, such as instructor-led training (40%).
36% of women in technology say earning a certification has improved their skills in a technology-related field. Half of respondents said that having a certification makes them feel more confident, and a third of them feel that it gives them more trust and credibility among their colleagues.
The top three qualifications held by women in technology are 'Project Management', 'Agile and Scrum', and 'ITIL, IT Service Management'.
