A recent survey by NTT DATA UK reveals that 74% of female tech workers have faced gender-based negative experiences.
- Despite ongoing challenges, 85% believe the tech industry has become more welcoming over the past decade due to diversity initiatives.
- Both women and men recognize the importance of diversity programs in fostering a more inclusive work environment.
- However, discriminatory behaviours persist, with many women experiencing bias and discrimination related to gender and other factors.
- Organisations are urged to adopt inclusive practices and support female talent through targeted measures.
A recent survey conducted by NTT DATA UK, a leading consultancy in IT services, has shed light on the prevailing gender issues within the technology sector. The results show that nearly three-quarters (74%) of women have encountered negative experiences in their workplaces attributable to their gender. This figure underscores the challenges women continue to face, despite some improvements in the industry landscape.
The survey also found that despite these barriers, a significant proportion of respondents (85%) perceive the industry to be more welcoming to women now compared to a decade ago. This positive shift is largely attributed to enhanced diversity initiatives. Programmes such as NTT DATA’s route2work, which supports female candidates through digital skills academies, are acknowledged by both female (63%) and male (68%) participants as pivotal to this change.
Increased workplace flexibility is another factor contributing to better experiences for women, cited by 48% of the women surveyed and 54% of men. These changes indicate a cultural shift aimed at retaining female talent in the tech industry, which has historically been dominated by men.
Nevertheless, the survey highlights ongoing issues with workplace culture. Alarmingly, 59% of women reported being spoken to condescendingly because of their gender, 49% experienced biased actions, and 34% faced discrimination based on various personal characteristics, including gender, race, sexuality, and age. These experiences diminish the sense of safety and value for women in tech roles.
Further analysis by PwC’s Women in Tech report shows that the persistent gender imbalance, with only 23% of STEM roles occupied by women in the UK, can be linked to these adverse experiences. To remedy this imbalance, respondents suggested increasing grassroots STEM initiatives (supported by 77% of women and 69% of men) to engage girls with technology early on. Additionally, there is a call for the promotion of women leaders in tech (65%) and the creation of more sponsorships, internships, and grants (62%) to support women entering the field.
Vicki Chauhan, Head of Public Sector at NTT DATA UK, commented on the findings, expressing pride in the sector’s progress but cautioning against complacency. She stressed the importance of inclusive work cultures and practical measures that attract and retain women in the tech sector. Echoing this sentiment, Kim Gray, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at NTT DATA UK, called for a sector-wide initiative to foster an inclusive environment, highlighting NTT DATA’s commitment to diversity through their initiatives.
Organisations must heed these findings and proactively work to eliminate cultural barriers and support diversity in the technology industry.
The survey reinforces the need for continued efforts to create an equitable and inclusive tech industry.
