In November, people around the world come together in support of Movember, a global charity that raises awareness for men’s health, with a particular focus on mental health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention. 

Movember highlights crucial health issues disproportionately affecting men, aiming to shatter the silence surrounding these challenges. Despite increased awareness, men continue to face significant hurdles in addressing mental health concerns, particularly in the workplace. 

This month, we’re reflecting on men’s mental health at work and exploring ways to foster environments where they feel empowered to seek help.

Men’s Mental Health Crisis

Men often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to their mental health. While these issues affect people across all demographics, the stigma surrounding men’s mental health is pervasive. Historically, societal expectations have pressured men to adopt a composed and self-assured demeanour, discouraging vulnerability. Toxic expressions like “man up” and “get a grip” are all too common. These expressions often imply that real men don’t show emotion, leading many men to bottle up their feelings.

In the workplace, this becomes especially problematic. According to research by the CIPD, 82% of male respondents struggle with their mental health at work, compared to 68% of women. Even more strikingly, 61% of men reported that they had considered quitting their jobs due to the toll work had taken.

The reluctance of men to address their mental health is further highlighted by the fact that 60% of men felt unable to discuss their issues with senior management. Fear of being judged or having their professional abilities questioned were the most common reasons given. Many men worry that by admitting they are struggling, they will appear weak or less competent, which can lead to a harmful cycle of silence and repression.

Failing to address mental health in the workplace not only impacts individual employees but also affects organisational performance. Low morale, increased absenteeism and reduced productivity are just some of the consequences when mental health goes unchecked. 

Research shows that men are three times more likely to die by suicide, mainly linked to unresolved mental health problems. Men are also more likely to suffer from heart disease, substance abuse and other severe health conditions exacerbated by poor mental wellbeing.

Breaking the Myths

There are numerous misconceptions surrounding men’s mental health that prevent many from seeking the help they need. One common myth is that mental health struggles in men stem from personal weakness. In reality, mental health issues are complex and can arise from a range of factors, including biological, environmental and genetic influences. For boys and men of colour, racial stress and discrimination can lead to increased hormone levels and long-lasting effects on mental wellbeing. 

Another myth is that men, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are less inclined to engage with mental health services. However, this reluctance is often not a matter of choice. Stigma, socioeconomic barriers and lack of access to appropriate services play significant roles in why men, especially men of colour, may not seek help. Internalised stigma, societal expectations and financial constraints often make it difficult for them to access therapy or mental health resources.

Research indicates that young black men are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act, often due to perceptions that they are “aggressive”. In addition, young people from Black and other minority communities may find it challenging to discuss their mental health with family due to cultural expectations.

It’s important to challenge these myths and shift the narrative around men’s mental health. The more we understand the root causes of these issues, the better equipped we are to support men in addressing them.

How Workplaces Can Support Men’s Mental Health

Workplaces play a crucial role in shaping the mental health of their employees. With many men spending much of their lives at work, employers have to create environments where mental health is prioritised.

Here are some key strategies that can help:

1. Encourage Therapy  

Therapy has been proven to reduce stress, alleviate feelings of isolation and increase overall wellbeing. A meta-analysis of 475 studies found that psychotherapy improves mental health outcomes for people of all ages, regardless of the type of therapy or diagnosis. Promoting therapy as a normal and healthy option for dealing with mental health challenges can encourage more men to seek professional help.

2. Offer Flexible Working

Many men feel pressure to work long hours, which can lead to burnout and exacerbate mental health problems. Offering flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, can help reduce stress and promote a better work-life balance.

3. Promote Self-Care

Encouraging employees to take small self-care actions during the workday can significantly impact their mental health. These could include taking breaks, practising mindfulness, or engaging in physical activity. Normalising these practices within the workplace can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.

4. Create a Supportive Environment  

A workplace culture that prioritises mental health must be built on trust, empathy, and openness. This involves encouraging conversations about mental health, offering support to those who are struggling, and ensuring that employees know where to turn for help.

5. Implement Anti-Racism Training and Unconscious Bias Workshops 

 For men of colour, issues of racism, microaggressions and discrimination can further compound mental health struggles. Providing anti-racism training and unconscious bias workshops can help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees.

6. Train Male Leaders to Be Role Models

Male leaders have the potential to set a powerful example by openly discussing mental health and sharing their own experiences. When leaders normalise conversations around mental health, it reduces the stigma for everyone else. It is crucial to provide training to male leaders on how to manage stress and promote mental health within their teams.

Movember reminds us of the importance of addressing men’s mental health, especially in the workplace. We can help men feel more empowered to seek help by breaking the silence, challenging societal expectations, and advocating supportive environments.

As we continue to raise awareness during Movember and beyond, let’s ensure that no man feels he has to face his mental health struggles alone. Get in touch with WorkSpa, to learn more about how we can help with various mental health workshops in your office.