Supporting men's health in the workplace

Men's health has a direct impact on employee wellbeing, workforce resilience and organisational performance. Yet many men continue to delay seeking support for physical and mental health concerns, which can lead to poorer health outcomes and longer periods away from work.

Employers are well placed to help change this. By creating a culture where health conversations are normal and support is easy to access, organisations can encourage earlier intervention and build a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Men's health by numbers

• Around three-quarters of suicides registered in the UK are among men. (1)
• Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. (2)
• Heart and circulatory disease remains one of the leading causes of death among men. (3)
• Men are generally less likely to seek medical help early, making prevention and early intervention particularly important. (4)

These figures highlight why employers have an important role to play in supporting men's health and wellbeing.

Why employers should take action

Health challenges affecting men can have a significant impact on individuals, teams and organisations.

Mental health concerns, cardiovascular disease, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions remain among the most common health issues affecting working-age men. Many of these conditions can be managed more effectively when identified early, yet barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness and time pressures can prevent men from seeking support.

For employers, the cost of delayed intervention can be felt through increased absence, reduced productivity and lower employee engagement.

A proactive approach benefits both employees and organisations. When support is visible, accessible and actively encouraged, employees are more likely to access the help they need at an earlier stage.

Creating a workplace that supports men's health

The most effective organisations do not wait until someone becomes unwell before taking action.

Instead, they create an environment where health and wellbeing are part of everyday workplace conversations. This helps normalise help-seeking behaviour and ensures employees know where to turn when support is needed.

Employers can make a positive difference by:

• Raising awareness through targeted health and wellbeing campaigns.
• Encouraging regular health checks and preventative healthcare.
• Providing access to confidential mental health and wellbeing support.
• Equipping managers to have supportive wellbeing conversations.
• Regularly promoting the support available through employee benefits and health programmes.

Often, small changes in communication and visibility can have a significant impact on engagement.

Supporting men's mental wellbeing

Mental health remains a key area of focus.

Many men report feeling less comfortable discussing their mental wellbeing, which can result in concerns going unaddressed for longer. Creating a workplace culture that encourages open conversations can help reduce this barrier.

Employers can support mental wellbeing by:

• Encouraging leaders to talk openly about wellbeing.
• Promoting available support services regularly.
• Training managers to recognise when employees may need additional support.
• Providing confidential ways for employees to access help.

The objective is not to encourage employees to share personal information. It is to ensure that support is available, easy to access and free from stigma.

Encouraging prevention and early intervention

Prevention is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes.

Awareness campaigns linked to key health observances, such as Men's Health Awareness Month, provide valuable opportunities to educate employees about common health risks and available support services.

Topics employers may choose to highlight include:

• Heart health.
• Cancer awareness and screening.
• Physical activity.
• Sleep and recovery.
• Stress management.
• Financial wellbeing and its impact on mental health.

Providing practical information throughout the year can help employees make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

Building a healthier workforce

Supporting men's health is about more than responding when problems arise.

It is about creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to take proactive steps to look after their physical and mental wellbeing, knowing support is available when they need it.

For employers, this can contribute to a healthier workforce, improved engagement and a more supportive workplace culture.

How we can help

We can work with you to provide accessible health and wellbeing support that helps employees access the right care at the right time.

From health information and wellbeing resources to clinical and mental health support services, we help organisations create healthier workplaces where people can thrive.

Find out how Healix Health can support your workforce wellbeing strategy and help employees take a proactive approach to their health.

Sources:

1. Suicides in England and Wales: 1981 to 2024, Samaritans Suicide Statistics using data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2024registrations 
2. Prostate Cancer, Cancer Research UK, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer 
3. British Heart Foundation, UK Cardiovascular Disease Factsheet, British Heart Foundation, https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-uk-factsheet-jan26 
4. Key data: Understanding of health and access to services, Men's Health Forum, https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/key-data-understanding-health-and-access-services