Women in tech increasingly dissatisfied, job search rates surge

A troubling trend within the tech industry is coming into sharp focus: women are significantly more likely to be actively seeking new employment than their male counterparts. A new study from the tech job search platform Dice reveals that 38% of women in tech are currently engaged in a job search, compared to 30% of men.

The primary drivers of this dissatisfaction are a persistent pay gap and workplace culture issues that often leave women feeling marginalized. On average, women in tech earn only 71% of what men earn for comparable work. The 2024 Dice Tech Salary Report reinforces this, showing that women take home an average of $15,000 less annually.

“The reasons behind pay disparities are deeply ingrained,” said Cindy Goodwin-Sak, the founder of Valiant Leadership, an executive coaching firm unconnected with the survey. “There’s a reluctance among women to negotiate salaries as frequently as men, and unconscious biases can influence compensation decisions.”

Gender discrimination

The disparity doesn’t stop at pay. Almost half of the women surveyed for the study reported experiencing gender discrimination at work, much higher than the men. This dissatisfaction drives many women to consider changing employers, with 67% of women open to moving to a new company within the next year, compared to 57% of men.

“When women don’t feel valued or see limited opportunities for growth, they’re naturally more inclined to seek out a more supportive environment,” noted Goodwin-Sak. “Given the demand for skilled tech workers, they often have that option.”

The Dice survey unearthed several other gender disparities in the tech sector: Notably, women were less likely to hold full-time positions, with 80% of women employed full-time compared to 86% of men. Additionally, fewer women had remained in their current roles for over five years — 22% versus 31% of men. Furthermore, a smaller proportion of women had over five years of experience in the tech field, with 66% of women reaching this milestone compared to 80% of men.

Optimism reigns

Despite challenges, women surveyed in the new report remain optimistic about the tech sector’s potential. However, they are prioritizing companies that offer a healthy work-life balance and demonstrate a commitment to their well-being. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, along with benefits like maternity leave, wellness programs, and childcare support, are becoming essential decision-making factors.

“These challenges demand greater education and awareness,” said Goodwin-Sak. “Companies need to invest in training on unconscious bias, promote conscious leadership, and create a culture where inclusion and accountability are genuine priorities.”

Bill Pappas, head of global technology and operations at MetLife, said leaders in STEM industries are responsible for creating a culture of inclusion and accountability for women in tech.

“Emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence, creates a great inflection point to do just that,” he added. “According to recent MetLife research, one in three STEM employers (32%) say providing more opportunities to work with emerging tech is one of the top ways they can support women at work. With a deep understanding of new technologies, and the ability to harness them, women feel more empowered in their roles and, in turn, can reach greater achievements in STEM.”