Ivanti, the company that unifies IT to better manage and secure
the digital workplace, today announced survey results that found the majority
of women who work in the technology industry are still experiencing inequality
when it comes to salary and career progression.
The Ivanti Women in Tech Survey 2019 surveyed over 800 women about their experiences
and priorities working in the technology industry. Despite the implementation
of equal pay legislation in the U.S. and UK in 1963 and 1970 respectively, the
report revealed that pay is still a key issue for many of the respondents.
Nearly two in three (64%) stated that equality in pay and benefits is the main
factor that would attract them to a new role, while 46% suggested the industry
still needs to close the gender pay gap to encourage more women into the
industry.
Flexible and part-time work schedules and career
advancement are also topics those surveyed identified as areas for improvement.
Respondents cited both as key drivers for employee satisfaction and retention.
According to over half of respondents (51%), greater availability of flexible
working policies would attract them to a new role, while one third stated that
greater support from their employer for part-time work in management positions
would help progress their career.
Interestingly, the perception of a "glass
ceiling" holding women in technology back is greater this year than last. As
many as 31% cited this as a key challenge, up from last year's figure of 24%.
Other key findings from the report include:
- Nearly 75% of
respondents highlighted the importance of industry collaboration and
partnership with schools and universities to encourage more women into
technology
- 40% of respondents
identified career coaching and mentoring as one of their top three
priorities
- Compared to last year's
key findings, the number of women who stated that they aren't taken
seriously in the workplace has decreased by 10%. However, this figure is
still high at 53%
- 44% of respondents
reported that companies are failing to adequately attract and retain
female talent
- When asked why women's
professional growth is often slower than their male counterparts', 62% of
respondents cited that stereotypes still favor men in leadership roles and
that men and women in similar roles are judged by different criteria
- Respondents ranked more
employer focus on female advancement and career paths as the top way
companies can help to progress women's careers
Sarah Lewis, director of field marketing at
Ivanti, said, "Although some progress has been made, women in tech are still
battling pay inequality and an organizational culture that continues to favour
men in leadership positions. While women in tech movements are challenging the
status quo, more needs to be done not only to entice talented women to work in
tech but to make sure their aspirations are valued and supported."
"At Ivanti, we have found that by standing up
programs that are both gender and diversity inclusive, we can inspire greater
collaboration and innovation and build an environment where women thrive," said
Sue Uses, vice president of human resources, Ivanti. "We've found that the
value of empowering women in technology in our organization has a direct
benefit to our entire employee population in terms of inspiring greater
communication, inclusion and productivity."
The Ivanti Women in Tech
Survey 2019 is a part of Ivanti's Women in Technology initiative which launched
in July 2017, with the first survey released in 2018. The campaign was launched
as an online and face-to-face support network for women in the industry who are
limited on time but still want to share ideas and successes with like-minded
peers.