New data shows why women and men see tech workplaces differently

Dubai: Do you think female leaders would improve workplace culture? According to Acronis’ new global research, women working in technology overwhelmingly agree. The company’s 2025 Women in Tech Report reveals that 82% of women believe having more female leaders would create a better workplace environment, highlighting a persistent perception gap between men and women across the sector.

The study, titled “FOMO at Work: The Opportunity Gap Between Men and Women in Tech”, shows that women continue to face structural barriers that men often do not see. While both groups work in the same industry, their understanding of career advancement, bias and work-life balance looks markedly different.

Acronis found that only 60% of women believe men and women have equal access to career development, compared with 75% of men. The gap widens when the issue shifts to work-life balance. Sixty-three per cent of women say the lack of balance directly affects their career progression, while less than half of men share that view.

Time commitment is another point of divergence. Sixty-seven per cent of women believe they must work longer hours to advance. Among men, 56% believe the same. Concerns over missing out on career-defining moments because of family responsibilities are also more common among women. Fifty-two per cent say they are very or extremely concerned about this, compared with 42% of men.

Bias remains a defining obstacle. Forty-one per cent of women identify bias and stereotypes as the main barrier to entering cybersecurity roles, compared with a third of men. That sentiment continues at senior levels. Forty-one per cent of women point to bias as the biggest hurdle to leadership positions, compared with 36% of men.

The report shows strong demand for leadership programmes designed specifically for women. Seventy per cent of women consider these initiatives a priority, while just over half of men feel the same. The finding underlines how differently the two groups assess the support needed to advance careers.

“Closing the gender gap requires more than good intentions. Organizations must recognize these disparities and design programs that expand leadership opportunities, confront bias head-on, and create environments where work-life balance doesn’t present any barriers that may potentially derail women’s careers,” said Alona Geckler, SVP Business Operations and Chief of Staff at Acronis

The report argues that organisations must adjust their internal systems, not just their messaging. Women place greater value on leadership development and advocacy efforts, while men tend to underestimate systemic barriers. Acronis says this mismatch signals where companies need to raise standards if they want to retain and advance diverse talent.

“This report highlights the critical need for companies to listen more closely to women’s experiences in technology career paths,” said Melyssa Banda, Senior Vice President, Edge Storage and Services at Seagate Technology. “For companies across the tech sector, highlighting women role models, addressing bias directly, and fostering inclusive cultures can benefit the entire industry. The opportunity now is to turn these insights into action that can drive innovation and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.”

The study is based on a global survey of more than 650 IT professionals, reflecting the gender imbalance in the sector, where women make up just 29% of the workforce. This year’s edition expands on Acronis’ 2024 report, which first examined how women feared missing out on career opportunities. The 2025 survey broadened its reach by including both men and women, covering more countries and doubling the respondent pool to capture a more accurate picture of the modern tech workplace.