An estimated 20,000 women left the tech industry in the first half of 2023. With caring responsibilities being one of the leading reasons why women leave, non-profit initiative HeyFlow and reproductive health inclusion experts HeyFlow “The Reality of Mums in Tech”: a state-of-the-nation research project to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of working mothers in UK Tech.

The initial findings of the report uncover alarming statistics about the lack of support for working mothers in the tech industry and urge immediate action to prevent further losses. These losses can be attributed to poor communication during maternity leave, lack of training for managers, and structural barriers within organizations that hinder working mothers from advancing.

Sophie Creese, Founder of MotherBoard commented on the results:

“Our report’s initial findings highlight that while efforts to retain women in tech are improving, the progress is not sufficient to see gender gaps close.

If we want to see a breakthrough for gender balance within tech and ensure more women are in senior positions, organisations must pick apart and scrutinise how they can do better in supporting mothers.”

This report was powered by HeyFlow, the female reproductive health inclusion business that helps remove the disadvantage many women face at work. Their co-founder Nick Dean further addresses that the report is just one aspect that may be causing barriers for women in tech:

“Some of our findings are alarming, yet not surprising. Lack of parental inclusion is a known barrier to many women’s progression within the tech industry and it is one of the main reasons why we see capable women being forced to exit the workforce. Alongside our wider research across all industries, we hope this report will inspire change and address not only the impact of motherhood and pregnancy, but also other impacting factors such as menopause and menstrual health.”

The report is part of an ongoing study, and MotherBoard invites more mothers working in UK tech to share their experiences. These contributions will help inform future initiatives, including the City of London’s ‘Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce,’ where MotherBoard’s founder, Sophie Creese, is a subject matter expert.

You can download the report over on MotherBoard’s website: https://motherboardmovement.co.uk/community/reality-of-mums-in-tech-results

The survey remains open here: https://forms.office.com/e/r3kJ007tTb

Key Findings from the report

Of Mums in Tech in the UK:

• 75% felt their manager was supportive throughout their pregnancy
• 40% felt like their career was held back during their pregnancy
• 39% who were on track for promotion ahead of their pregnancy have been promoted since
• 47% feel less valued after they have returned to work
• 58% have considered leaving their role since returning to work
• 54% feel like their career has been held back due to having children

About MotherBoard

50% of women leave the tech industry before age 35. Let’s change that.

MotherBoard is a Business Charter, Community, and Event Series driving tangible change for mums working in the tech industry. We are on a mission to transform the industry to be more inclusive of women & mothers by tackling stigmas and supporting employers who want to create real change.  Powered by ADLIB.

About HeyFlow

Ending disadvantage for women in the workplace.

Through insight, learning and action for female* reproductive health inclusion in the workplace, HeyFlow empowers businesses to create change and build a truly inclusive company and break the taboo from menstruation to menopause.

About ADLIB

We are a Recruitment Agency with purpose. Proudly B Corp certified and employee-owned. Our mission and impact go far beyond recruitment. We immerse ourselves in the worlds we operate in. A trusted partner, supporting growth and success at pace since 2001.