According to a report from technology consulting firm Prosperity 24-7, women in Jersey’s tech sector are marginally paid more than men. However, they only account for 21% of that industry.
The report revealed significant gender disparities in the industry. Nearly 80 percent of all the top-paid jobs are held by men, and only about 20 percent by women. Men occupy 93 per cent of the lowest paid roles at the bottom of the payscale, while women make up only 7 per cent.
Despite this disparity, 75 percent received bonuses for female employees, a slightly higher percentage than the 70 percent of male employees that received similar rewards.
HR’s role in tackling disparities
Observers in the industry note that it is important to develop strategies for attracting and retaining female talent, especially in senior roles. These strategies include:
Inclusion in Recruitment and Career Development
Experts say that changing recruitment practices, including gender-neutral language, and advertising on platforms targeted at women in technology could help to diversify the applicant pool. To support women in the tech sector, structured career paths and mentorship programs have also been recommended.
Working Flexible and Reducing Bias
Flexible working arrangements have been highlighted as a way to accommodate different needs and make tech roles more accessible for women. In addition, regular training to address unconscious bias is essential for creating equitable hiring practices and promotion.
The Case for Transparency in Pay
The report states that although reporting pay gaps is not required by law in Jersey, voluntary disclosures of gender pay data can promote trust and accountability among organisations. This practice can also be used to monitor progress and identify improvement areas.
Ongoing Challenges
The report from Prosperity 24-7 emphasizes that efforts must be made to continue closing the gender gap within Jersey’s technology sector. Despite some progress, there is still a serious issue with the underrepresentation women in high-paying positions.
