The Silent Struggle

Why men's mental health matters in the workplace

In the fast-paced world of deadlines, meetings, and performance evaluations, it's easy to overlook the silent struggles that many men face in the workplace: their mental health.

While conversations surrounding mental well-being have become increasingly prevalent, there remains a pervasive stigma that discourages men from seeking help or even acknowledging their own mental health needs.

In this blog, we delve into the importance of men's mental health and explore how addressing issues can benefit both individuals and organisations.

The Mask of Masculinity

From an early age, men are often socialised to adhere to rigid gender norms that equate strength with emotional indifference. As a result, many men feel compelled to wear a mask of invulnerability, hiding their true emotions and struggling in silence. This pressure of society to "man up" can have detrimental effects on men's mental health, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse.

The Workplace Pressure Cooker

The workplace can be a breeding ground for stress and anxiety, with high demands, long hours, and intense competition taking a toll on employees' mental well-being. For men, the pressure to succeed professionally while maintaining an image of strength can exacerbate these stressors, leading to burnout and mental health crises.

Breaking Down Barriers

Discussing and addressing men's mental health in the workplace requires a multi layered approach that begins with removing the stigma surrounding mental health. Employers play a crucial role in fostering a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal. This may involve implementing mental health awareness training, offering confidential counselling services, potentially through an EAP programme, responding without judgement, and promoting work-life balance initiatives.

The Business Case for Health Initiatives at Work

Beyond the ethical obligation of supporting employees' mental well-being, there is a compelling business case for prioritising men's mental health in the workplace. Research has shown that organisations that invest in mental health initiatives experience:

Lower absenteeism

Absenteeism due to mental health issues is a significant concern for employers. When employees struggle with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or burnout, they are more likely to take time off work to cope with their symptoms. This can lead to a pattern of frequent absences, which disrupts workflow and places additional burdens on other team members. By addressing mental health proactively through support programs, stress reduction initiatives, and fostering an open dialogue about mental health, employers can help reduce the number of days lost to mental health-related absenteeism. This not only ensures a more consistent workforce presence but also reduces the financial costs associated with high absenteeism rates, such as lost productivity and increased overtime expenses to cover for absent employees.

Higher productivity

Employees who are mentally healthy are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. Mental health issues can impair concentration, decision-making, and overall cognitive function, which can significantly impact an employee's performance. By creating a supportive environment that prioritises mental health, employers can help employees maintain better focus, creativity, and efficiency in their work. This leads to higher quality output, improved job performance, and ultimately, a more successful organisation.

Greater employee satisfaction

A workplace that values and supports mental health fosters a positive organisational culture. Employees who feel supported in their mental health needs are more likely to experience job satisfaction and loyalty to their employer. This can lead to lower turnover rates, as employees are less likely to leave an organisation that prioritises their well-being. Satisfied employees are also more likely to contribute positively to team dynamics and organisational morale, further enhancing overall workplace harmony and performance.

Enhanced emotional contract

Employees that are supported at work and can bring their whole selves into the workplace, and form stronger engagement and attachment to their employer, which has a significant impact on staff retention rates.

Practical Strategies for Support:

There are many practical steps that employers can take to support men's health in the workplace. Why not consider putting some of the initiatives below in place?

• Encouraging open communication: Create an environment where employees feel safe to speak openly about their mental health without fear of stigma or reprisal.
• Promote a healthy work-life balance: Implement policies such as overtime limits and Time off in Lieu (TOIL) to ensure employees have adequate time to rest and recharge.
• Provide access to mental health resources: Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling services, and other mental health resources.
• Train staff in Mental Health First Aid: Equip employees with the skills to support colleagues in distress and recognise signs of mental health issues.
• Run healthy eating initiatives: Encourage healthy eating habits through programs like allotment produce exchanges and discounted vegetable boxes.
• Implement exercise groups: Organise lunchtime running clubs, cycle groups, or yoga sessions to promote physical health and reduce stress.
• Offer discounted gym memberships: Provide incentives for employees to stay active, which can improve both physical and mental health.
• Foster a culture of peer support: Create peer support groups and mentorship programs to build a network of support within the organisation.
• Empower staff to prioritise their mental wellbeing: Encourage employees to take regular breaks, use their vacation time, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental health.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Offer options such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.
• Mental Health Days: Allow employees to take mental health days without the need to justify or explain their absence, acknowledging the importance of mental well-being.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Programs: Introduce mindfulness sessions, meditation classes, or relaxation workshops to help employees manage stress and improve their mental health.
• Regular Mental Health Check-ins: Schedule routine one-on-one meetings between employees and managers to discuss workload, stress levels, and any mental health concerns.
• Create a Quiet Space: Designate a quiet room or space where employees can go to take a break, meditate, or relax away from the hustle and bustle of the office.
• Leadership Training on Mental Health: Train managers and leaders to recognise signs of mental health issues and respond appropriately, fostering a supportive environment from the top down.
• Anonymous Feedback Channels: Provide channels for employees to give feedback or voice concerns about their mental health anonymously, ensuring they feel safe to speak up.
• Wellness Challenges: Organise wellness challenges that encourage healthy habits, such as step challenges, hydration goals, or sleep improvement initiatives.
• Access to Financial Planning Resources: Offer financial wellness programs that provide advice and support, as financial stress can significantly impact mental health.
• Pet-Friendly Policies: Allow employees to bring pets to work on certain days, as interaction with pets can reduce stress and improve mood.
• Social Activities and Team Building: Organise regular social events, team-building activities, or volunteer opportunities to foster a sense of community and support among employees.
• Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Run ongoing mental health awareness campaigns that include workshops, seminars, and informational materials to keep mental health on the agenda year-round.
• Support for Returning Employees: Develop programs to support employees returning to work after a mental health-related absence, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition back into the workplace.
• Provide Mental Health Apps: Offer access to mental health apps that provide resources such as guided meditations, cognitive-behavioural therapy exercises, and mood tracking.
• Parental Support Programs: Provide resources and support for new parents, including paternity leave, parenting workshops, and flexible scheduling to help balance work and family life.

In summary

Men's mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall wellbeing, particularly in the context of the workplace.

By breaking down barriers, raising awareness, and implementing supportive policies and programs, employers can create environments where men feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritise and manage their mental health. Ultimately, investing in men's mental health isn't just the right thing to do—it's also good for business.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let's remember that true strength lies not in indifference or silence, but in vulnerability, resilience, and the courage to seek help when needed.

Putting an EAP in place?

We are pleased to be able to provide a discount on Employee Assistance plans to small business clients via our partnership with leading EAP provider Health Assured, offering the highest quality support and resources for employees’ mental health and wellbeing needs.

If you would like more information about our Employee Assistance Programme offer, and how it can benefit your business, please contact us.