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Three ways employers can support men’s mental health in the workplace

• June 14, 2024

Mental Health is a frequent topic spoken about throughout the workplace specifically, men’s mental health. It can affect individuals of all ages, gender and races however, men face distinctive challenges with breaking the barriers surrounding the stigma and getting the support they need in order to maintain their wellbeing especially within the workplace. By continuing to recongise and promote months such as Men’s Mental Health Month as a nation we can continue to carry out exercises to create a more welcoming environment for individuals to express concern.

Unfortunately, men’s mental health worldwide is at an all-time high. Current statistics show that over a third of men (35%) think they've had a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life. Additionally, suicide the biggest killer of men aged 50-54. 

What are the key findings? 
Let’s explore some of the most significant mental health statistics relating to men in the UK. 
 

• 29% say they’re “too embarrassed” to talk, and 20% feel there is a “negative stigma” around speaking out about their mental health concerns 

• Men are 32% less likely to visit the doctor about their mental health, particularly when they’re amid their careers 

• The biggest cause of mental health issues in men’s lives are work (32%), their finances (31%) and their health (23%) 

• 40% of men polled said it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm to compel them to get professional help 

These statistics are not only upsetting they are alarming, especially as the common denominator throughout these statistics is work based. There are many ways employers can support their employees, mental health and wellbeing.  

Encourage open communication: 

Due to the stigma surrounding open communication men are almost a third less likely than women to visit the doctor. The main reason surrounding this is usually down to cultural pressures and the idea that men have to behave and present themselves in a certain way.  
 
Since men are less likely to share their feelings regarding their mental health, hiring managers and employers need to ensure they create a comfortable and trustworthy environment for men to be able to freely express their feelings without the fear of being judged. 
 

Ensure there is a work Life Balance: 

Employers should ensure they provide employees with flexibility over their working hours to guarantee they are providing their employees with a healthy work/life balance. Implementing this into the business will help create a more positive atmosphere and allow for employees to switch off and therefore decrease the chances of burnout. 
 
 

Provide wellbeing focused company benefits: 

Alongside general employee benefits such as life insurance and health insurance, employers should ensure wellness-focused benefits like wellness apps. Examples of this include Calm and Headspace. Majority of employees benefit from wellness apps as they’re easily accessible for all individuals regardless of whether their job role is remote, hybrid or office based as well as, it allows for a more personal and private experience.

If you’re struggling with mental health, and need to talk to someone please contact Man Up https://www.manup.how/get-help. Man Up's vision is to provide services needed to diminish the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and effectively implement services to help with this.