Tech Talent Charter and MotherBoard Charter have joined forces to address maternity retention in tech.
Almost 40% of female tech leavers cited caring commitments as a decisive factor in their decision to leave the industry, according to research by Tech Talent Charter.
The organisations have called for businesses to take 10 key steps to tackle the issue, including flexible working arrangements and supporting women’s career development. By improving these actions, they believe that businesses will begin to create an environment that supports working mothers and will help to retain women in the tech industry.
Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer of FDM Group, said: “Women play a vital role in the future success of the technology industry and returners in particular hold invaluable skills and experiences that can help the sector grow. Unfortunately, taking time out of work for maternity leave too often counts against even the most skilled female employees, even if they have directly relatable skills that could transform the business.
“Organisations must emphasise supportive return to work policies and provide training to help returners bridge their transition back to the workplace. This not only boosts retention in the industry but provides outstanding role models for the younger generation setting out on their careers, acting as an inspiration to remove stereotypes.”
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