Working dads are lonely in lockdown

Over a third of working dads reported feeling isolated in lockdown.

New research found men struggling with the mental health implications of the coronavirus crisis.

Around two in five men living with a partner and children said they feel isolated due to lockdown rules that have prevented them from going to work or mixing with other people.

The latest survey, from the Institute of Leadership and Management, backs up previous research which suggested the switch to widespread homeworking has been more of an upheaval for men. With a higher proportion of working mums already used to flexible working they found it easier to adapt, even if they found themselves taking on more of the extra work.

Mental health

Overall 40% of men say their mental health suffered compared to 25% of women.

The Institute of Leadership and Management surveyed over 1200 people for the research. Other findings point to a widespread issue with loneliness among men. Four in five men who live alone said they felt isolated. And young people reported worse mental health than those aged over 60.

Around half of respondents said they were working more hours and taking fewer breaks.

Adaptability

Kate Cooper, Head of Research, Policy and Standards at The Institute of Leadership & Management, said: “While we have been celebrating the adaptability of so many organisations and individuals who have responded brilliantly to the challenges of switching from home to office, as our research reveals, this presents leaders and managers with new and complex challenges. Men particularly miss the camaraderie of the office and young people struggle to find suitable home working spaces. More than ever before, managers need empathy; to manage according to individual need, to understand the difficulties that their teams face on a personal level and to signpost anyone who needs it to additional support.”

Business in the Community (BITC) has partnered with Public Health England to produce a toolkit to help every organisation support the mental health and wellbeing of its employees, which is available via www.bitc.org.uk/toolkit/mental-health-for-employers-toolkit

For professional advice and mental health support, please visit www.mind.org.uk.

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