Supporting men's health in the workplace

Statistics show that men face significant health challenges, with one in five men in the UK dying before the age of 65, primarily from critical illnesses like cancer and heart disease. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and obesity exacerbate these risks. Despite this, men are often less likely than women to seek medical help, with 65% admitting they avoid seeing a doctor for as long as possible.

Employers have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap by fostering a workplace culture that prioritises men's health. Healix's latest publication, Men's Health Matters: Key Considerations for Employers, outlines practical ways businesses can support their male employees' physical and mental health.

Key insights include:

• Creating an open culture: Encourage conversation s around health issues and normalise seeking help through awareness campaigns and leadership support.
• Prioritising mental health: Break stigma and provide access to digital mental health tools, training, and peer support.
• Improving healthcare access: Offer flexible options like virtual consultations to make healthcare accessible for all.
• Encouraging healthy lifestyles: Promote initiatives such as wellness programmes, fitness incentives, and awareness campaigns for healthier habits.
• Promoting medical MOTs: Provide routine health checks tailored to individual needs to catch potential issues early.

Supporting men's health isn't just about reducing absenteeism - it's about creating a culture where employees feel valued and supported. Download the full publication to explore actionable strategies for improving male health outcomes in the workplace.