Boost Tech Retention After Survey Reveals 47% of Women Face Discrimination and Burnout

System administrators and IT leaders must review their internal diversity metrics after new survey data indicates a significant increase in reported gender discrimination within the technology sector. According to The Next Web, a recent survey conducted by ISACA, a global association for IT governance and security professionals, found that 47 percent of women working in tech say they have been treated unfairly because of their gender. This figure represents a notable increase from 42 percent recorded two years ago, despite growing industry awareness of the problem.

In plain English

The survey highlights persistent cultural and structural issues that affect employee satisfaction and retention. Women in the industry are just as unhappy as men regarding company culture, job security, and the speed of promotions. Furthermore, 63 percent of women believe there are not enough women in the tech industry, a sentiment shared by 41 percent of men. This lack of representation extends to leadership roles, with only 53 percent of women believing they have real influence on company strategy, compared to 66 percent of men.

Career advancement barriers remain a primary concern for all employees. The absence of a clear route to promotion is the greatest factor preventing career growth for both genders. One third of all respondents identified this lack of clarity as a hurdle, with the figure rising to 41 percent among women and dropping to 33 percent among men. Additionally, workplace pressure is widespread. Around 59 percent of technology professionals report experiencing stress or burnout due to their jobs, driven by heavy workloads, a lack of resources, and inadequate management.

The background

The data reveals a gender gap in burnout rates, with 64 percent of women reporting stress compared to 57 percent of men. Employers are struggling to retain staff, as four out of five respondents regarded employee retention as either a significant or moderate problem. However, support mechanisms remain insufficient. Only one in four employers gives staff days off for mental health reasons, and almost as many provide no assistance for burnout. Julia Hermann, a member of ISACA’s SheLeadsTech Global Advisory Group, noted that retention rates remain a challenge, indicating that good intentions are not yet turning into action.

Pay disparities also continue to divide the workforce. A 2024 analysis found that women in European tech earn 26 percent less than men on average. Despite these challenges, respondents expressed hope for the future. Roughly seven in ten participants, with no difference between men and women, believe more women will join the industry within five years. To facilitate this growth, 69 percent of women want more women as mentors and role models, while 55 percent of respondents say institutions should employ more women as tech lecturers and create networks for them.

What changes now

Organizations must translate awareness into concrete actions to address these gaps. The rise in reported discrimination from 42 percent to 47 percent suggests that current measures are insufficient. Companies need to focus on creating clear promotion pathways and providing adequate resources to reduce burnout. Implementing mental health days and burnout assistance programs is critical, given that only a quarter of employers currently offer such support. Additionally, increasing the number of female mentors and role models can help build the networks necessary for long-term industry growth and retention.

What to do and how to stay safe: ISACA

• Review internal retention data to identify gender-specific trends in turnover and burnout.
• Audit promotion pathways to ensure clear, documented routes to advancement for all employees.
• Implement mental health days and burnout support programs if they are not already in place.
• Establish mentorship programs that connect women in tech with female leaders and role models.

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

How has the rate of gender discrimination in tech changed recently?

Reports of unfair treatment due to gender rose to 47 percent, up from 42 percent two years ago.

What is the biggest barrier to career advancement for tech employees?

The absence of a clear route to promotion is the primary factor preventing advancement for both men and women.

How do employers currently handle employee burnout?

Only one in four employers provides days off for mental health, and many offer no assistance for burnout.