Men’s Health Week is a reminder for us to think about the mental and physical wellbeing of men. While it is important to recognise that supporting everyone’s wellbeing is essential, this week is a great time to think about concerns that are specific to, or disproportionally affect, men.
In this article we highlight some areas of health, with a particular focus on mental and physical illnesses, that are more prevalent among men. We explore how we can support wellbeing in the workplace, discussing strategies that can support men’s wellbeing, whilst creating an approach that will support health for everyone.
Men’s Health in the UK
Let’s start by building an understanding of men’s health and the challenges men face. The following information is related to men’s mental and physical health in the UK.
Mental Health – Mental ill health significantly impacts men. Suicide rates are a pressing concern. In the UK approximately three-quarters of all suicides occur among men. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for prioritising mental health support for men.
Depression and Anxiety – Although depression and anxiety affect both genders, men often face unique challenges in seeking help and discussing their mental health concerns. Men are less likely to disclose symptoms of depression and anxiety or seek professional assistance, contributing to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental ill health.
Physical Health – Men encounter specific health challenges that can impact their overall wellbeing, including a higher prevalence of certain conditions.
Men are more prone to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease. The British Heart Foundation highlights that men in the UK have a higher risk of developing heart-related conditions, necessitating focused attention on prevention and management.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Early detection and appropriate medical care are vital so encouraging men to seek help as early as possible is key.
Supporting Men’s Wellbeing in the Workplace
Acknowledging and addressing the specific challenges men face in the workplace can significantly contribute to their overall wellbeing. Here we share some strategies that can support health and wellbeing in the workplace:
Promote Mental Health Awareness
Encourage open conversations about mental health. Focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing their concerns. Raise awareness about available resources, such as helplines and counselling services so people are able to seek support in a way that best suits them.
Our free Mental Wellbeing Directory provides a comprehensive list of mental health and wellbeing resources.
Introduce Mental Health First Aiders
Mental Health First Aiders serve as a crucial support system, providing immediate assistance and guidance to colleagues who may be experiencing mental ill health. Men, in particular, may benefit as Mental Health First Aiders help to combat stigma surrounding mental ill health and create a safe environment for open discussions. Their presence in the workplace can empower men to seek support, leading to increased self-awareness, reduced stress and overall enhanced wellbeing.
The Thrive Team provides a range of MHFA England-certificated and non-certificated Mental Health Awareness courses delivered by quality-assured trainers, delivered in an appropriately sympathetic, judgement-free environment.
Make Wellbeing Conversations part of everyday conversation
Talking about our health and wellbeing should be something that we all feel able to do at work, but this often isn’t the case. We often her that men experience societal pressure to appear strong and unaffected, preventing them from seeking help when needed.
However, when wellbeing conversations become part of the working life, it can help to break down the stigma surrounding talking about health and wellbeing. This inclusive approach allows men to feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment or weakness. Regular wellbeing conversations provide an opportunity for early intervention, ensuring that support is offered as soon as it is needed.
Our free Wellbeing Conversations Guide provides a framework for having conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
Establish Health Programs
Consider workplace wellbeing programs that focus on physical health and mental health, including health check-ups, screenings, and educational workshops. Emphasise the importance of preventive measures, build understanding and encourage employees to understand and prioritise their health.
Provide Management Training and Upskill
Managers play a crucial role in setting the tone and culture within an organisation. When they are equipped with knowledge and skills to support their team’s wellbeing, it can lead to a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
Training managers on topics such men’s health, mental health awareness, resilience and empathy can help them understand some of the challenges their team may face and how to support them. They can promote healthy work habits, encourage open communication, and facilitate access to appropriate resources. By prioritising men’s wellbeing, managers create a culture that values and supports the mental health of all employees, ultimately contributing to higher job satisfaction, increased engagement, and improved overall wellbeing in the workplace.
Here at The Thrive Team we are passionate about the wellbeing of everyone in the workplace. Men’s Health Week serves as a crucial reminder to think about some of the challenges that may be more prevalent for men. By considering these challenges that men face in their mental and physical health, organisations can create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
If you’d like to speak to us or find out more about how we could support you or your business, get in touch here. We’d love to hear from you.
