We have asked over 2,000 UK workers about their job satisfaction and reasons for taking time off work. These men’s mental health statistics revealed that men were less likely to take time off when they need to recharge and may be more likely to hide their mental health issues in the workplace.
As we approach Men’s Mental Health Month in November (otherwise referred to as Movember), we explore how these men’s mental health statistics have changed in recent years, and how open conversations and tailored wellbeing support can help keep men healthy and engaged at work.
Men stay in their roles despite being unsatisfied at work
Our 2022 research found that younger men report being satisfied at work but are still likely to be looking for a new job. Men aged 45+ report the lowest levels of job satisfaction but are more likely to stick it out in their roles despite feeling disengaged.
- Men aged 55-64 are half as likely to be looking for a new job as those aged 25-34.
- Over half (59%) of men under 45 are considering looking for a new job.
In 2026, our research surveys show that 34.6% of men are actively looking for or considering a new role in the next year. These updated statistics suggest that there remains a significant issue around satisfaction in the workplace.
Men are less likely to take time off to recover from stress and burnout
While men and women report similar levels of poor mental health, men are less likely to seek support from their employer or take time off to recover. Businesses could be left unaware of men’s mental health challenges as they continue to work while masking the extent of their struggles.
In 2026, our survey showed that:
- 46.4% of men report taking time off work due to poor mental health.
- 46.4% of men also feel that their mental health has impacted their productivity across the year.
- 6% of men reported that relationships breaking down have affected their mental health within the last 12 months, compared to 5.5% of women.
- A further 9% of men revealed concerns about their employment status impacting their mental health.
Whilst this shows that more men are taking time to prioritise and reflect on their mental health, there remains a disparity in how many men in the workplace feel willing or able to use this leave.
Men are more likely to be impacted by financial stress
In 2026, we asked over 2,000 people in the UK about their attitudes to mental health, their job and the wellbeing support they receive at work. The survey found that 46.4% of men felt that their mental health had impacted their productivity within the past year.
It showed that men are more likely to have financial-based stress that impacts their mental health. In our past survey, we found that:
- Men’s mental health has been impacted by financial worries (26.2%), stress due to work (24.3%) and feeling anxious about the future (22.8%), in the past 12 months.
- Looking ahead to the next year, men are most worried about the risk of cost of living (78.6%), recession in the UK (37.3%) and high interest rates (28.6%).
Learnings for leadership teams to combat ments mental health awareness
- Job satisfaction doesn’t necessarily mean an employee will stay in their role. There may be hidden issues that management need to address, especially amongst younger workers.
- An open workplace culture can make talking about wellbeing a normal part of the workday. Leaders can start by modelling behaviour and talking openly about their own mental health. Leading by example can help make employees feel more comfortable to open up and seek support.
- Presenteeism can be especially difficult to spot if employees are working remotely, so managers must make the time to have conversations about wellbeing.
- Training such as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) course can help give both managers and colleagues the confidence to discuss mental health at work.
- Our financial wellbeing guide gives support and advice on how to prioritise personal wellbeing whilst navigating through financial stress.
Free men’s health downloads
Our men’s mental health survey guide offers tips to support men’s health in the workplace, including advice for managers and a printable ‘know your numbers’ health check poster for employees.
