Thousands of Women in Tech Depart Their Roles Annually

A significant factor contributing to the departure of women from the technology sector is the limited opportunities for career advancement, according to recent findings.

Research indicates that between 40,000 and 60,000 women leave digital roles each year—whether transitioning to other tech positions or exiting the industry altogether. A quarter of those surveyed cited insufficient opportunities for career progression in their current roles as a primary reason for their decisions.

Deborah O’Neill, a partner at Oliver Wyman, asserts that the decline in female representation in tech is typically attributed to childcare obligations. However, this perspective overlooks the systemic barriers that hinder women from advancing within the tech workplace.

"This is not just a statistic; it represents lost potential and innovation for our country and organizations," O’Neill remarked. "We need a world where everyone is able to contribute to ambitious projects, yet women feel they have no pathway for advancement. There’s a disconnect here."

According to the findings, women constitute approximately 20% of the technology sector in the UK, a number that diminishes at higher organizational levels. Recent data reveals that the number of men in information and communications has risen by 11.5% over five years, whereas the number of women has decreased by 7%.

Additionally, the report highlights that systemic issues such as inequitable career paths and a lack of support networks are crucial obstacles preventing women from progressing in their careers.

Between 60% and 80% of women with extensive experience reported feelings of being undervalued and underpaid, indicating a critical need for organizations to reevaluate their internal practices and ensure that women can achieve their full potential in the tech industry.

The report ultimately emphasizes the importance of creating clear advancement opportunities and addressing the entrenched biases that persist in the technology sector, which is increasingly critical as the UK pushes towards tech leadership in the global market.