Nearly Half of British Women in Tech Say Their Company Is Still Not Prioritising Diversity, Reveals Research by Booking.com

LONDON,March 21,2019 -- According to research from Booking.com,digital e-commerce and technology leader,less than half (48%) of women currently working in tech in the UK feel that the tech industry today is prioritising gender diversity. Slightly more British women currently in the field (52%)feel that their company is prioritising diversity efforts. While initiatives to close the gender gap and encourage more women into tech are having some success,tech companies and theindustry need to demonstrate greater commitment to nurturing female talent if they are to maintain a skilled workforce.

When asked what benefits increased gender diversity can bring to the tech industry,89% of British women surveyed said it would help diversify the sector,bringing fresh perspectives,backgrounds,and experiences. They also cited greater flexibility in HR benefits (91%) and an improved work environment that would benefit all employees (90%). Beyond these cultural benefits,women feel their increased representation in the UK tech workforce will contribute to improved company and brand reputation (88%),as well as trust in tech companies in general (84%).

In addition to retaining talent,tech companies need to better support skilled women seeking to re-enter the sector. Currently,six in ten female re-entrants to tech in the UK-- or those who have taken a break and returned to the industry (60%)-- view taking a career break as detrimental to their individual progression. Almosttwo-thirds (65%) believe the industry needs to actively do more to support their re-entry to the field.

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For more information,contact: LON-bookingWiT@ketchum.com

About Booking.com

Established in 1996 in Amsterdam,Booking.com B.V. has grown from a small Dutch start-up to one of the largest travel e-commerce companies in the world. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG),Booking.com now employs 18,000+ employees in 200+ offices in 70 countries worldwide. With a mission to empower people to experience the world,Booking.com invests in digital technology that helps take the friction out of travel and connects travellers with the world's largest selection of incredible places to stay. The Booking.com website and mobile apps are available in 43 languages,offer 28 million total reported listings and cover more than 147,000 destinations in 229 countries and territories.