Flexibility the key for women in IT

Flexible working seems to be more dream than reality for women working in IT who claim a lack of realistic options is harming their work/life balance.

Research by womenintechnology.co.uk - quizzing 200 women - found 55 per cent said they were satisfied with their work/life balance but nearly all added an 'although' or 'but ' to their answer.

Around three-quarters (77 per cent) of women questioned said even though their current employer supports flexible working it was very limited and often more a theory than reality.

Maggie Berry, director of the networking group, said a poor work/life balance is often cited as a key reason for a dwindling number of women in tech.

One woman questioned in the research said having a good balance of work and personal life is something you have to make happen yourself. "It's a tough juggling act," she said.

Another said they fear changing jobs will mean their work/life balance might be less on the agenda.

Others added that colleagues often frown on flexible working and that the discretion of managers is important in making flexible working a reality.