Communications of the ACM
Why Are Women Leaving Science, Engineering, And Tech Jobs?
A new survey has found that U.S. women working in science, technology, engineering and math fields are more likely to leave the industry over the next year than their male counterparts.
Credit: Steve Cole/Getty
U.S. women working in science, technology engineering, and math (STEM) fields are 45 percent more likely than males to leave the industry over the next year, according to a recent Center for Talent Innovation survey.
Although 80 percent of the women surveyed say they love their work, many still report barriers to advancing their careers. "Women entering STEM fields have a much shorter runway for career takeoff than women entering other industries," the report says.
Surveyed women describe the "lab-coat culture" of science that encourages long hours, the "hard-hat culture" of engineering, and the frat-like "geek workplace culture" of technology, all of which discourage women from advancing or even joining in the first place.
The study also found 86 percent of women in the United States lack sponsors, which significantly holds them back from progressing to more senior level positions. In addition, 72 percent of women surveyed reported sensing gender bias at work in their evaluations.
A recent Fortune study of performance reviews from 28 companies in the technology industry found almost 88 percent of women received critical feedback compared to just 59 percent of men.
Finally, the Center for Talent Evaluation report also found women in high-ranking positions are less likely to help other women advance their careers.
From Fast Company
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