Growing artificial intelligence expertise is creating new opportunities for women working in technology, but increasing productivity expectations and workplace pressures are contributing to widespread burnout, according to new research from Ensono.
The managed services provider’s sixth annual Speak Up report surveyed 1,500 female-identifying technology professionals across the UK, US and India, examining the impact of AI adoption, changing career priorities and evolving workplace policies.
The findings reveal that 70% of respondents now rate their generative AI knowledge and skills as advanced or expert, with the proportion identifying as experts doubling since the company’s 2024 survey.
However, while two-thirds said AI had made their workload more manageable, 42% reported being expected to produce more work in less time because of the technology.
Meanwhile, 43% felt pressure to continually develop new skills to remain competitive, while 34% experienced expectations to remain constantly available.
These pressures coincide with significant wellbeing concerns, with 87% of respondents reporting some degree of burnout and 60% describing themselves as moderately, very or extremely burned out.
Meredith Graham, Chief People Officer at Ensono, said employers needed to ensure AI adoption was accompanied by realistic expectations and appropriate support.
“With skills confidence continuing to grow, business leaders need to provide clarity on how AI adoption changes work expectations,” she said.
The research also highlights tensions surrounding return-to-office policies.
More than half (53%) of respondents said their employers now required more days in the office than a year ago, while 92% believed in-person visibility was important for career progression.
Balancing caregiving responsibilities with work remained the most commonly reported challenge associated with office attendance, cited by 49%.
Career ambitions are also evolving. Although 83% aspire to executive leadership positions, nearly half identified developing skills and expertise (49%) and maintaining work-life balance (48%) as increasingly important priorities.
Among women not pursuing executive leadership, 41% preferred hands-on technical work, up from 35% the previous year.
The findings underline the importance of developing career pathways that recognise technical expertise alongside traditional management progression.
They also highlight the need to review workload expectations, flexible working arrangements and learning opportunities as AI transforms job roles.
Ensono suggests that organisations seeking to retain female technology talent should ensure productivity improvements translate into sustainable working practices rather than simply increasing demands on employees.
