The pandemic has fuelled a rise in the number of female finance professionals suffering from poor mental health, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments has found.
According to CISI’s annual survey, 55% of its women members surveyed suffered from stress, anxiety or depression in the last year. In contrast, 39% of male respondents said the same.
Just over half (52%) of women surveyed said they would feel confident talking to their manager if they were struggling, just slightly down on the 54% who said the same a year ago.
Women were also shown to be more likely to be working fewer days from the office going forward than their male counterparts. Nearly three fifths (57%) said they would not be returning to the office for the same number of working days as before the lockdown, compared to 50% of men.
CISI also asked members for their views on the state of their sector. Nearly half (46%) of women said they were working longer hours (39% for men), while 40% of women and 38% of men said they had worked their hours more flexibly.
Simon Culhane, CEO at CISI, said: “Since the pandemic, many of us have acknowledged the benefits of working from home, particularly in not having to commute. Our survey, though, has shown that women in our profession appear more stressed and more women have worked longer hours than their male counterparts.
“Working from home for women can be a two-edged sword, as many may still be undertaking wider home and, for those with children, added family responsibilities, particularly regarding home schooling for children.
“Working from home is resulting in blurred work-life boundaries, longer hours and a feeling for some of not being able to take annual leave, which will contribute to an “always on” mentality. These factors could lead to a perfect storm of stressors resulting in burnout and overwork.”
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