ISACA’s recently released Tech Workplace and Culture survey finds that technology professionals are generally feeling good about their jobs and careers in 2026, but there is a clear retention risk: many workers are open to new opportunities, burnout remains widespread and women continue to report a less equitable workplace experience.
Satisfaction does not necessarily mean retention
Most respondents say they are satisfied today:
- 76% are satisfied with their current job.
- 71% are satisfied with their career progression.
Yet 65% would consider changing jobs within the next two years, and 75% say retaining talent is a concern at their organization.
The top three reasons people left their previous job are better career prospects (29%), higher compensation (28%) and looking for more interesting work (23%).
Burnout is still shaping the employee experience
Nearly six in 10 technology professionals (59%) have experienced work-related stress or burnout. Sixty-four percent of women report burnout.
Workload is the leading contributor for stress or burnout, cited by 48% of respondents. But other causes are nearly as common:
- Lack of resources (43%)
- Difficult or unsupportive management (42%)
- Lack of appreciation (40%)
- Workplace culture (38%)
Women report a different workplace reality
Compared with men, women are less likely to be satisfied with:
- Workplace culture: 52% of women vs. 65% of men
- Career progression: 67% of women vs. 73% of men
- Job security: 59% of women vs. 69% of men
Women are also less likely to feel they have sufficient authority over company strategy (53% of women, 66% of men), personnel decisions (48% of women, 59% of men) and purchasing decisions (32% of women, 52% of men).
Career pathways are another concern. “No clear upward path” is the leading obstacle for both groups, but it affects women more often (41% of women, compared with 33% of men).
Progress is happening, but gaps remain
In the past two years, 73% of women and 71% of men received a salary increase or promotion. Most respondents (71%) expect women’s representation in technology to increase over the next five years.
Still, women remain far more likely to report bias and pay concerns:
- 30% of women encountered gender or diversity bias when entering IT, compared with 4% of men.
- 50% of women believe pay inequality exists in the technology sector, compared with 25% of men.
- 26% of women cite self-doubt or lack of confidence as an early-career challenge, compared with 14% of men.
“A raise tells you your work is valued today. However, it doesn’t tell you whether there’s room for you tomorrow,” said Mary Carmichael, a member of ISACA’s Emerging Trends Working Group. “ISACA found that 76% are satisfied with their jobs, yet 65% would consider leaving within two years, with an unclear upward path the leading career obstacle for both women and men. Employers should take note: keeping people means giving them a future they can see.”
Tech professionals remain engaged and committed, but organizations cannot take that commitment for granted. Clear career pathways, equitable opportunities, sustainable workloads and supportive managers are essential to keeping talent engaged.
Learn more and gain additional insights by accessing ISACA’s 2026 Tech Workplace and Culture survey and related resources at www.isaca.org/tech-workplace-and-culture.