30.10.2024
Every year, on 19th November, International Men’s Day is celebrated globally to raise awareness of men’s issues and promote positive conversations around their wellbeing.
One of the most critical aspects highlighted during IMD is mental health, particularly in men. It’s no secret that the stigma surrounding mental health in men continues to exist, often leading to silence and neglect in addressing their emotional struggles. This is where organisations have a vital role in fostering an environment that supports and enhances the mental health of their male staff. Below, Joyful Living has put together some guidance…
The male mental health crisis
Statistics show that men are less likely to seek professional help when experiencing mental health issues. According to the Mental Health Foundation, suicide rates are significantly higher among men than women, with men accounting for around three-quarters of all suicides in the UK. Men are often conditioned from an early age to hide emotions, uphold stoicism, and resist vulnerability, making it harder to admit when they need help.
In the workplace, these issues can become exacerbated due to stress, high demands, and societal expectations to “man up” and handle everything independently. As more organisations recognise the importance of employee well-being, it’s crucial to place specific emphasis on supporting male employees’ mental health, as it can often go unspoken.
Why you should take action this International Men’s Day
Beyond the moral obligation to care for all employees, there are clear business benefits to prioritising mental health. Studies show that businesses that foster a supportive environment for mental well-being see increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved employee retention. Mental health interventions and support systems lead to a happier, more engaged workforce, ultimately impacting the company’s bottom line.
Men, in particular, may suffer silently, and without visible support from employers, their mental health challenges may lead to burnout, disengagement, or even severe consequences like depression or suicide. Creating a culture that acknowledges and addresses male mental health is not just an ethical imperative but a strategic one.
Create a space for open conversations
One of the most effective ways to support men’s mental health is to normalise conversations around it. Organisations should encourage dialogue around emotional well-being, breaking the stigma that men face when discussing their mental health. This can be done through internal communications, workshops, and inclusive and open discussions.
Leaders and managers play a crucial role here. By openly addressing mental health and sharing their own experiences (if appropriate), they can set an example that vulnerability and emotional honesty are signs of strength, not weakness. Creating a culture where it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay,” is a key step toward helping male employees feel supported.
Provide access to mental health support
While encouraging conversations is essential, it must be backed up with tangible support. Employers can invest in Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that offer confidential mental health support, counselling services, and referrals to professionals. It is crucial to make these services easily accessible, free, and without stigma. For example, we offer Corporate Mental Health Workshops and Mental Health First Aid Training to support your teams at work.
Providing mental health training for managers helps them recognise the signs of mental health struggles and equips them with the tools to offer support. Workshops on stress management, resilience building, and emotional intelligence can also give employees the skills to handle challenges better.
Promote a work-life balance
Workplace stress can contribute significantly to poor mental health, and organisations must ensure they’re fostering a culture of work-life balance. Long hours, unreasonable deadlines, and an “always-on” mentality can wear down any employee, but men may be less likely to speak up about their pressures. Employers should actively encourage staff to take breaks, use their holiday allowances, and disconnect from work when they are off-duty. Promoting flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, can also alleviate pressure, especially for juggling work and family responsibilities.
Consider mentoring
Peer support and mentoring schemes can provide men with a safe space to discuss their struggles and receive guidance from colleagues who may have experienced similar challenges. Organisations can set up formal mentoring programmes or create informal networks where employees are paired with colleagues they feel comfortable talking to about professional and personal issues.
A buddy system can also benefit new hires, helping them transition smoothly into the company culture while knowing they have someone to turn to. This builds a sense of belonging and support, particularly for men who may find it harder to ask for help outright.
Highlight men’s mental health
While International Men’s Day is a key opportunity to spotlight men’s mental health, these efforts should not be confined to a single day. Organisations can use IMD as a starting point to launch year-round initiatives focused on supporting male employees. Campaigns that align with wider mental health awareness efforts, such as Movember or Mental Health Awareness Week, can keep the conversation going and ensure that support remains visible.
Bringing in guest speakers, holding workshops, and sharing male-focused mental health resources are all effective ways to raise awareness during these events. These initiatives can help employees feel that their well-being is taken seriously and that mental health support is an ongoing priority.
Understand needs
It’s important to recognise that men may have different preferences when it comes to mental health support. While some may benefit from traditional counselling, others might prefer informal settings, such as group activities or team-building events, where mental health is addressed more subtly.
Activities like fitness challenges, social events, or mindfulness sessions can engage male employees in a way that feels less formal but still promotes well-being. Offering various channels for support ensures that men who may be uncomfortable with direct mental health interventions can still engage in ways that suit them.
The impact of supporting mental health at work
By prioritising the mental health of male employees, organisations not only enhance their overall workplace culture but also contribute to a healthier society. When men feel supported, heard, and valued, they are more likely to thrive professionally and personally. This leads to stronger relationships at work, better job satisfaction, and a more cohesive team dynamic.
As we celebrate International Men’s Day, remember that mental health support is not a one-off gesture. Organisations must continually strive to create a workplace where all employees feel empowered to seek help and speak openly about their mental health, regardless of gender. Reach out to the Joyful Living team if you’re looking for support.