The number of women in tech is increasing, but issues remain

The number of women in tech is increasing, according to the latest edition of Propel’s Digital Salary & Industry Insights report.

Female responders to the sixth edition of the report doubled to 22% compared to last year, illustrating that tech has become more inclusive according to Melina Jacovou, CEO & founder of Propel.

“Tech is becoming more sexy, trendy, accessible and perceptions have changed,” she said. “It’s no longer considered a masculine industry – it’s inclusive.

“Companies’ tech requirements are growing with the landscape changing. Companies are providing flexible working environments and offering more value in the workplace.”

However the number of women in tech is still far below the other sectors surveyed in the report.

The report also shows that tech staff are more likely to seek a new role than staff in the other sectors surveyed, with 57% saying they were planning to find alternative employment. In fact 79% of those who had been in their role for two-five years were looking for another job. The lack of career development opportunities was cited as the main reason for this.

“Tech professionals need to constantly challenge and be challenged,” Jacovou said. “Often they are more interested in the tech than the money and have a hunger for challenges and self-development.

“They are focussed on what they can achieve, their footprint and their legacy. There isn’t such a thing as a job for life anymore. We are all contracted and need to be inspired!”

The latest edition of Propel’s Digital Salary & Industry Insights report delves into the working lives of the professionals who drive the global digital economy.

The report’s analysis focuses on four key talent areas – marketing, commercial, creative services and technology – looking at salaries, sector skill sets, levels of satisfaction and role perceptions within the global digital economy, namely:

• Direct influences – demographic variables (age, gender, seniority, job title and salary);
• Behavioural variables – career level, years in industry, skill; and
• Deduced influences – job satisfaction, attitudes, lifestyle, and career patterns.

View the full report.

This story originally appeared on Tech City News. Copyright 2015