ClickAJob News

The IT industry is missing out on the talents offered by females, one expert has said.

According to Maggie Berry of womenintechnology.co.uk, said that women are not represented proportionally in the IT sector.

"With women making up only 20 per cent of the UK technology workforce but accounting for 50 per cent of the UK working population it's obvious that the technology profession is missing out on a wealth of female talent," she said.

She added that IT departments must think about the best methods of retaining female workers, as more women are leaving the industry than joining it.

Her comments follow a recent event hosted by womenintechnology.co.uk and investment bank JP Morgan, aimed at helping women to forge a successful career in IT.

Some of the advice given to attendees of the event was "think like a man" and "start the day without emotions".

Going further, ClickAJob chief executive Yngve Traberg points a finger at traditional (male) salary package thinking.

"Employers tend to think of IT people as geeks getting high on technology - just throw money at them and they will be happy," he says.

"But all IT people, particularly women, have needs beyond just money. Employers need to apply the same thinking to remuneration packages that they do for other jobs types," he adds.

"Working environment, flexible hours, work/life balance, working from home - all of these may not matter much to the male in front of a screen, indulging his fascination for technology.

"But for working women, who frequently face more than their fair share in relationship roles as partners, homemakers and mothers, such considerations are hugely significant," Mr Traberg notes.

"Disregarding their needs not only drives women away, it shuts out recognised and valuable traits such as multi-tasking and attention to detail, both critical qualities in the meticulous world of IT."

His retention strategy for employers?

"Linked so closely to management and company performance, by its very nature IT demands above average commitment," he says.

"If you can ensure that they're properly motivated and cared for, commitment and loyalty is a reflex most women offer naturally by the bucket-load."