WOMEN IN TECH THE FACTS

FIG. 4.11 // Family Highly Valued for Men & Women
% Saying ...is “one of the most important things” or “very important” in their lives
Being a Good Parent
94%
91%
Have a Successful Marriage
84%
83%
Being Successful in a High-Paying Career or Profession
51%
49%
0 20 40 60 80 100
Women
Men
Rerendered from two Pew Research Center surveys from Dec. 6-19, 2011, and Jan. 14-27, 2010. Patten & Parker, 2012.
Inflexible Flexibility
Interestingly, mid-level employees more often reported that informal company
practices—not formal company policies—made securing a flexible schedule
difficult. For example, while flexible work schedules are often “technically” available,
managers make accessing these schedules difficult, either through their authority
or through informal comments. Women and others who take advantage of flexible scheduling
often experience subtle reminders that they have been given “special treatment” and, as a result,
end up working extended hours. These comments, combined with the lack of a “family-oriented”
workplace culture, lead many women or others who temporarily take part-time positions to
believe they are taking a “step down” on the career ladder (Simard et al., 2008).
WOMEN IN TECH: THE FACTS 47