Working in IT comes with many challenges. On one hand, the work-life balance is not always ideal, and on the other hand, there is a shortage of talent, partly fueled by a lack of gender equality and diversity.
The IT sector faces employment challenges that go beyond the talent shortage alone. This is evident from the Tech Workplace and Culture survey by Isaca, conducted among 7,726 respondents worldwide. 71 percent of the respondents identified as male, 26 percent as female.
Lack of diversity
This skewed ratio immediately points to a first issue. When it comes to gender equality and diversity, the sector still falls short. IT is still seen as a male-dominated sector according to 42 percent of women and 26 percent of men. Male role models dominate (according to 43 percent of women and 21 percent of men), and the wage gap remains a problem (42 percent of women vs. 15 percent of men). The figures also immediately show that men perceive the problems as less significant than the women who have to deal with them.
27 percent of women actually experience gender bias as an obstacle in IT, compared to four percent of men. 36 percent of women have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace, compared to nine percent of men. The problem is therefore still very real. In the search for more suitable workers, it seems essential to make the IT sector more attractive to women and prioritize eliminating inequality.
Stress and long hours
There are other problems that make a career in IT less attractive. Stress is omnipresent and burnouts are lurking. Respondents cite the following reasons:
- Heavy workload (54%)
- Long hours (43%)
- Tight deadlines (41%)
- Lack of resources and support (41%)
- Lack of appreciation (38%)
You might almost think there are no advantages to a job in IT, but that’s certainly not true. Problem-solving (45%), continuous learning (41%), and job security (38%) emerge as the top reasons for a career in IT.
Salary is not a peak motivator
Only eighteen percent indicate that work-life balance is a driver to (continue to) work in IT. However, this balance is important when it comes to switching between IT jobs at different companies. In that case, work-life balance is the most important motivation to stay (41%), followed by options for hybrid work (40%) and how enjoyable the work is (36%). Notably, salary plays a role but ranks only fifth (34%) after the need for interesting tasks (36%).
Furthermore, the report shows that respondents are interested in training and mentors. 63 percent want a mentor, only 22 percent have one. Here too, the balance between men and women is skewed; men are more often the mentor, women the mentee.
Investing in diversity and training
Companies that want to attract and retain IT professionals would do well to invest in diversity and a good work-life balance. Diversity will attract more female talent, while better balance will ensure that staff stays and doesn’t seek opportunities elsewhere. Furthermore, training and support play an important role in employee satisfaction.