Best workplaces in tech: removing barriers for women to thrive

Claire McGeever

Client Success Manager, Great Place to Work Ireland

There’s growing momentum among organisations to better support the diverse needs of their workforce, with a strong focus on creating workplaces where women can thrive.

Last month, Great Place to Work released our annual Best Workplaces in Tech™ list, recognising 48 Ireland-based organisations excelling in trust and performance. Data from these leaders shows meaningful progress in creating inclusive environments that support women who have historically faced structural and cultural challenges in tech.

Flexibility for women to thrive

Tech positions frequently involve intense workloads and extended hours, which can create challenges for many employees. For women, these demands are often compounded by the greater share of caregiving duties they typically manage, making such busy environments less accessible and harder to navigate. In these cases, work-life balance isn’t just a benefit; it’s a necessity. Without it, the result is often burnout, disengagement and high turnover.

By prioritising wellbeing, organisations can help to remove these barriers. This includes offering flexibility, realistic workloads, mental health resources and leaders who model healthy work behaviours. At the Best Workplaces in Tech™, 83% of women said people are encouraged to maintain work-life balance at their organisation, compared to just 49% at organisations not Certified by Great Place to Work. That gap underscores the impact of supporting wellbeing to build stronger, more sustainable teams.

The best organisations are building
future-ready teams by growing
diverse talent from within.

Removing development barriers

Career development remains a key driver of retention and engagement, yet women in tech can often face additional hurdles, such as limited mentorship or underrepresentation in leadership. Without support and structure, talented women may be overlooked or feel stuck — a loss for both individuals and the wider business.

The best tech employers invest in closing this gap. They offer transparent promotion pathways, leadership training and targeted support for underrepresented talent. It’s paying off: 79% of women at the Best Workplaces in Tech™ agree they are developing professionally, compared to 49% at non-Certified companies. It’s clear that the best organisations are building future-ready teams by growing diverse talent from within.

Driving lasting change

Supporting women in tech requires more than surface-level initiatives; it means embedding equity into workplace culture, career development and daily leadership practices. The best organisations go beyond creating great workplaces; they are setting a new standard for inclusion, innovation and the future of the tech industry.