Introduction
The job satisfaction levels among women in the cybersecurity sector have seen a notable decline in recent years, primarily due to economic pressures [1], increased workloads [1] [4], and organizational changes such as layoffs and budget cuts. This trend is contrasted by a similar, albeit less pronounced, decline in job satisfaction among their male counterparts.
Description
Job satisfaction levels for women in cybersecurity have significantly decreased [2] [3], with only 67% reporting satisfaction in 2024 [2] [3], down from 82% in 2022 [2] [3]. In contrast [1] [3] [4], male satisfaction dropped from 73% to 66% during the same period [3]. This decline is attributed to economic pressures [4], increased workloads [1] [4], substantial layoffs [2], and budget cuts within cybersecurity teams [2] [3]. Approximately 32% of female respondents indicated their organizations had experienced layoffs [2] [3], compared to 23% of male respondents [2] [3]. Among women who faced layoffs within their cybersecurity teams [1] [4], job satisfaction dropped to 64% [1] [3], while those affected by broader organizational layoffs reported a satisfaction level of 66%. Notably, job satisfaction was higher among those who did not experience layoffs [2] [3], with 71% of women expressing satisfaction compared to 70% of men.
Women reported experiencing a greater impact from budget cuts [2], hiring freezes [1] [2] [3] [4], and freezes on promotions and raises compared to their male counterparts [2]. Specifically, 40% of women faced budget cuts versus 36% of men, 42% of women encountered hiring freezes compared to 37% of men [2], and 36% of women experienced freezes on promotions and pay rises compared to 31% of men [2]. Despite these challenges [1] [4], women have maintained a more positive outlook on their job situations compared to men [4].
Flexible working practices have been linked to higher job satisfaction [2] [3], with fully remote workers reporting the highest levels [2] [3]. Among women [1] [4], those working fully remote reported a satisfaction level of 73%, while men in the same situation reported 70% [2] [3]. In contrast [1] [3] [4], men working full-time in an office had the lowest job satisfaction at 62% [2] [3], while women in the same situation reported higher satisfaction at 68% [2] [3]. The reduction of remote and flexible working options post-COVID19 has negatively impacted job satisfaction [2] [3], despite the benefits of such arrangements for accommodating additional needs like childcare [2] [3]. Overall, women in cybersecurity remain generally positive about their work and job situations [1].
Conclusion
The decline in job satisfaction among women in cybersecurity highlights the significant impact of economic and organizational challenges. Mitigating these effects may involve addressing gender disparities in layoffs, budget cuts [1] [2] [3] [4], and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, promoting flexible working arrangements could enhance job satisfaction and accommodate diverse needs. As the industry evolves, understanding and addressing these factors will be crucial for improving job satisfaction and retaining talent in the cybersecurity workforce.
References
[1] https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2025/03/Women-Comprise-22-percent-of-the-Cybersecurity-Workforce
[2] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cybersecurity-job-satisfaction/
[3] https://osintcorp.net/cybersecurity-job-satisfaction-plummets-women-hit-hardest/
[4] https://www.digit.fyi/isc2-survey-women-comprise-22-of-the-cybersecurity-workforce/
