INDEX has recently released the 2024 Gender Diveristy in the Australian Market Report.
The report analyses data collected from 20,000 job seekers in Australia, dating back to 2019. Over the last decade, this report has expanded to include additional IT skill verticals and now encompasses 16 broad technology sectors. The latest report indicates gradual advances across IT, painting a positive picture towards DE&I overall.
What does the latest Gender Diversity report reveal?
Changes in working conditions over the past four years indicate a more flexible approach to full-time work. Hybrid and remote working models have given women greater opportunities to achieve work/life balance.
Out of 16 IT verticals, Change / Communications Management and Industrial Design are the only two where women outnumber men.
Previous reports highlighted a downward trend for women holding Executive Leadership positions from the pre-pandemic figure of 25% in 2019 – the highest recorded in the data collection records. Our data shows a sharp decline of this figure by 40%. Currently, women represent 15.75% of positions held in Executive Leadership, only a slight increase from 2023.
We can see positive changes
Encouragingly, our latest data shows a historic milestone in the Digital sector. Women now represent over 35% of the digital workforce in Queensland, more than tripling from 10% in 2022. Overall, across all states surveyed, women represent 41% of in Digital, a record high.
Overall, there have been steady increases in women participating in other sectors. Within the Business Systems skill sector, participation grew from 19% in 2023 to 24% in 2024. The IT Security sector, showing growth overall, is holding steady. Since 2019, women’s representation has grown to 12% from just 5% in 2019. It’s great to see these positive changes taking place across different areas of the tech sector.
Maintaining diverse workforces and leadership teams has undeniable advantages. As job seekers’ expectations have been increasing in organisation’s commitment to DE&I, equally, research consistently proves that having a diverse mix of people in an organisation makes a tangible improvement to business outcomes.
INDEX, understands the benefits of a diverse workforce. Our expertise in gender-equitable workplace strategies sets us apart. We are well-equipped to assist you in realising the commercial benefits of strategically enhancing gender diversity within your teams.
