WITI survey shows gender balance and diversity remain elusive at major tech organizations

 Survey confirms unconscious bias is real, and both women and men have similar career goals

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WITI (Women in Technology International), the leading worldwide authority on women in business and technology, today announced the result of a ground-breaking survey focusing on unconscious bias, parity, career aspirations and what companies can do to enhance gender diversity and inclusivity. The global survey was conducted by WITI, in partnership with analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC) and Randstad Technologies. More than 1,100 women and men working in the tech industry and in tech-based roles participated in the survey.

The 2018 women in tech: unconscious bias, parity and the path forward report

Today, more than 4.5 million U.S. workers are employed in a technology role, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. IT jobs are projected to grow at twice the national rate in the U.S over the next eight years, adding more than 600,000 jobs by 2026. Despite the substantial growth and demand for qualified workers, women remain minority employees in technology dealing with unconscious bias, while most companies do not have plans to solve gender balance in the workforce. In fact, the lack of well-defined goals and bold vision has precipitated gender inequality, according to the report. The full report is available for download at https://www.witi.com/researchcenter/

Survey highlights include:

• Lack of diversity and inclusion points to a systemic problem. One-third of participants said their organization have goals for gender diversity. Of these respondents, two-thirds report that their goal is to improve the proportion of women to the rest of its employees and another 40 percent plans to hire more women. Only 16 percent have goals to achieve gender balance.
• Men and women see diversity very differently. Gender diversity was rated second to last of all nine areas of inclusion, with 31 percent of respondents view their organization as very gender diverse. According to the report, women are far more likely to observe gender bias at their company.
• Compensation and work life balance are the equalizers. Men and women are equally ambitious, and they measure their career success in terms of their compensation. They both value work-life balance and want to work for companies with a purpose.
• Women are significantly underrepresented. Forty seven percent of the U.S. workforce is women and more women now graduate college than men. In 2017, 57 percent of all college graduates were women. Yet, only 25 percent of IT workers are female.
• Women have significantly less access to cash, capital and funding. Worldwide only eight percent of primary patent holders are women and two percent of VC funding is for women-founded startups.

 “This report underscores the need for gender inclusive culture, where both men and women can collaborate and flourish – all of which will positively impact the organization,” said Carolyn Leighton, chief executive officer and founder, WITI. “We will continue to support and mentor our members reach their career goals as well as work with companies to solve workplace diversity challenges.” 

Recommendations
The report also includes recommendations for tech companies on dealing with gender imbalance.

Highlights include:

• Men should be part of the solution, but women must lead. With 75 percent of all IT jobs held by men, they must become advocates and play a significant role in hiring, retention and promotion of women in technology.
• Equal pay is the next best step: While men and women take different approaches to solving issues of gender equality, both agree that pay equity is a key step in changing the culture within their organizations.
• Training is a must to eliminate unconscious bias: To drive greater awareness, tech organizations should increase training and open conversations with human resource professionals, business leaders and the broader employee workforce to help reduce unconscious bias.

Supporting Quotes:
“The WITI organization has been a leader in creating opportunities for Women in IT going back almost 30 years, long before gender inclusion was deemed a critical issue for our industry. This first research report between WITI and IDC is the result of many months of close collaboration between our organizations. I am inspired by our relationship and look forward to our continuing research studies together, targeted at uncovering the opportunities for greater gender inclusion in IT.”
                    -- Michelle Bailey, general manager, GVP and research fellow, IDC.

"We know how critical it is to increase women in the technology sector, and especially in leadership roles. The research emphasizes the need to continue raising awareness while simultaneously bringing men and women to the table to develop strategies to increase women in the talent pipeline as well as best practices for retaining women in the industry. By embracing the commitment to diversity and inclusion as a fundamental business strategy and working with organizations like WITI, we can continue to make a difference and support the advancement of female talent in STEM related careers.”
                    -- Alisia Genzler, president and chief client officer, Randstad Technologies.

About WITI
Founded in 1989 by Carolyn Leighton, WITI (Women in Technology International) is a leading worldwide authority on women in business and technology. For nearly 30 years, WITI has consistently been a clear voice advocating women's contributions to the tech industry, inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers and actively working with corporate partners to create a culture of equality. WITI has more than three million members across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, more than 300 partners, 50 domestic and 13 global networks. WITI delivers to its members leading edge, best practice training consulting tools, programs and platforms designed to increase innovation, competitiveness and revenue. To learn more, please visit witi.com.

About IDC
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading media, data and marketing services company that activates and engages the most influential technology buyers. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn.

About Randstad Technologies
As one of North America’s largest and most trusted technology talent and solutions firms, Randstad Technologies provides collaborative, customized solutions to companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 100 enterprises. We combine deep industry expertise and broad range of full-service capabilities to solve business challenges. From staff augmentation and direct hire placement to technology, data-driven solutions aimed at protecting and maximizing the value of technology investments, we power our clients' success — and drive our candidates' growth. Learn more at www.randstadtechnologies.com. 

Contact
Parna Sarkar-Basu
V.P. Marketing
Women in Technology International (WITI)
parna@corp.witi.com