Rachel McLoughlin
Marketing Coordinator, Great Place to Work
In such a male-dominated field, organisations need to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to prioritise the needs of women in tech.
In recent years, we have seen an increased demand for organisations to prioritise meeting the diverse needs of their employees, with a necessary spotlight on the barriers women can face in the workplace. At Great Place to Work, with the recent release of our annual Best Workplaces in Tech list, which recognised 53 companies going above and beyond for employees in this space, we were able to collate data on how organisations support women in tech.
Fostering a culture of wellbeing
Within tech roles, demanding work schedules and long hours are often the norm. This type of work environment can be inaccessible to women for many reasons, such as the fact that many traditionally still bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities. By promoting a healthy work-life balance, tech organisations can create a more flexible work environment that allows women to thrive both personally and professionally.
At the Best Workplaces in Tech, an impressive 85% of women agreed that people are encouraged to have a good work-life balance, compared with just 52% of women at organisations not Certified by Great Place to Work aligning with this statement.
Leaders must create clear pathways for
promotion and professional development.
Creating pathways for development
Among women employed at the Best Workplaces in Tech, 85% agreed that they are developing professionally working at their organisation, compared to just 57% of women in non-certified organisations.
Leaders must create clear pathways for promotion and professional development to ensure that women within the organisation have equal opportunities to men. This helps in retaining talented women by providing them with visible and attainable career goals. It also challenges the often male-dominated leadership structures, leading to more innovative and balanced decision-making at the highest levels.
Valuing employees at an individual level
Prioritising career development and employee wellbeing means a genuine interest and care for your employees’ welfare; it’s no surprise that 80% of women working at the Best Workplaces in Tech agreed that ‘management shows a sincere interest in me as a person, not just an employee.’ When looking at women employed at an average non-certified organisation, this number drops to 51%.
For women in tech, who often face a lack of representation in similar roles, having leaders who genuinely care about their personal and professional development can be empowering. Support can help them navigate the challenges of the industry and aspire to leadership positions without fear of judgment or rejection.
