The Gender Perception Gap in Tech Careers: Insights from Acronis’ 2025 Report
A recent report by Acronis, titled “FOMO at Work: The Opportunity Gap Between Men and Women in Tech,” highlights a striking disparity between how men and women perceive career opportunities within the technology sector. While men tend to view the landscape as more equitable, women report significant barriers that impact their advancement. This fundamental divergence accentuates the ongoing challenges women face in this crucial industry.
Perception of Equal Opportunities
One of the report’s critical findings reveals that only 60% of women believe in equal access to career development when compared to 75% of men. This gap signals a deep-rooted inequity that persists in the tech landscape. The perception that women have fewer opportunities for growth not only affects their morale but can also discourage talented individuals from pursuing or continuing careers in technology.
The Work-Life Balance Struggle
Work-life balance is an area where women express significant concerns. An astounding 63% of women indicate that work-life balance challenges greatly affect their career growth, while only 49% of men share this sentiment. The disparity reflects unique pressures women face when juggling family responsibilities alongside demanding tech roles. This imbalance can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a fear of missing out on critical career-defining opportunities.
The Pressure to Work More
Time spent at work is another pivotal aspect of the report. About 67% of women feel they need to work longer hours to progress compared to 56% of men. This disproportionate expectation can lead to burnout and heightened stress levels for women. It also complicates the already challenging situation of balancing professional ambitions with personal life commitments, further perpetuating the cycle of inequity.
Bias and Stereotypes in the Workplace
Gender bias remains a formidable barrier in the tech landscape. The report indicates that 41% of women, versus 33% of men, cite bias and stereotypes as significant obstacles to entering cybersecurity careers. This perception of bias extends into leadership aspirations as well, where 41% of women hold similar views compared to 36% of men. Such biases not only stifle diversity but also rob the industry of a wealth of potential talent and ideas.
Prioritizing Leadership Development
When it comes to leadership opportunities, there is a clear desire among women for tailored development programs. A compelling 70% of women prioritize programs designed specifically for them, compared to just 56% of men. This statistic highlights an essential aspect of closing the gender gap: recognizing and addressing the unique challenges women face in climbing the corporate ladder.
Family Responsibilities and Career Opportunities
The report also addresses the notion of "FOMO" or "Fear of Missing Out" concerning career advancements. A striking 52% of women express anxiety over missing career opportunities due to family obligations, in contrast to 42% of men. This anxiety can hinder women’s willingness to take risks that might benefit their careers, impacting their long-term success and fulfillment in the tech sector.
The Call for Action
Alona Geckler, SVP of Business Operations at Acronis, emphasized the necessity for organizations to recognize these disparities and develop strategies that directly address them. This includes designing programs to expand leadership opportunities, tackling bias head-on, and creating environments conducive to work-life balance—elements critical for women’s career advancement.
Women’s Voices in Decision-Making
The report further stresses the importance of listening to women’s experiences in tech career paths. Melyssa Banda, SVP at Seagate Technology, noted that fostering an inclusive culture can significantly benefit the entire industry. Empowering women and addressing the barriers they face should not merely be viewed as a corporate responsibility, but as a strategic necessity for companies aiming for innovation and growth.
A Broader Context of Inequity
Despite some progress in recent years, the survey results reveal that inequities are still deeply rooted in workplace culture, particularly within tech fields. The Women in Tech Report serves as a clarion call for organizations not just to recognize these discrepancies but also to take actionable steps toward creating more equitable and inclusive environments.
Methodology of the Study
The findings stem from a global survey involving over 650 IT professionals, reflecting the proportion of women—29%—in the tech workforce. The 2025 report broadens its scope, aiming for a more accurate representation of today’s tech workforce by including both genders and doubling the respondent pool compared to the previous year’s report.
By shedding light on these discrepancies, Acronis’ report opens the door for further dialogue about how the tech industry can evolve to support and advance the careers of all employees, regardless of gender.
