Men's health awareness is on an upwards trend. Almost three-quarters of men (74%) say they feel ‘as healthy or healthier’ than five years ago, and 57% are more health conscious than before the pandemic.
However, men are still more susceptible to certain health challenges. The stigma around mental health might be slowly decreasing, but loneliness is an on-going worry, with more than 1 in 10 working men (11%) saying feeling isolated has impacted their mental health in the past 12 months.
On this page, you'll find the latest data around men's health at work, plus free resources to help your organisation support the health and wellbeing of male employees and raise awareness of men’s health.
Connection is key for mental health
Almost two-thirds (60%) of men say they’re comfortable talking to their colleagues about their mental health, and (68%) feel their values align with the company they work for.Strong working relationships play a key role in helping men feel comfortable having mental health conversations and seeking the support they need.
When it comes to their manager, men say it’s important to be:
- Understanding and compassionate: 64%
- Available to talk: 51%
- Able to make provision for support when needed: 39%
Men want to be proactive about their wellbeing
81% of men find their workplace wellbeing support useful, with preventative health benefits being most important to them.
Benefits shouldn’t be treated as a ‘nice to have’ – they’re essential tools to help workers look after their health.
Men’s most-wanted benefits are:
- Health check-ups
- Private health insurance
- Counselling
- Gym access
- Mental health days off
A lot of these benefits are simple to implement and help men access healthcare without having to rely on NHS appointments.
Wellbeing benefits are a big draw
Almost two in five (38%) men are considering changing jobs, and health benefits can influence their decision.
Outside of salary, job hunters are looking for:
- Benefits (including wellbeing): 56%
- Flexible hours: 53%
- Remote working: 31%
Wellbeing support scores significantly above ‘traditional’ ways to attract talent, such as progression opportunities and organisational prestige. As well as supporting good health, wellbeing benefits can help attract and retain talent.
Webinar – Men’s health and wellbeing in the workplace: Raising awareness and creating a supportive environment.
Stigma surrounding men’s health still exists, resulting in a lack of awareness and understanding of some of the largely preventable men’s health issues. As our working lives become longer, how can organisations raise awareness around men’s health and create an open and supportive environment?
Watch our webinar for advice from our expert panel on how to create a culture that positively supports men’s health and wellbeing in the workplace.
What you’ll learn:
- The statistics on and challenges around men’s heath.
- How employers can raise awareness of men’s health issues and create a supportive workplace culture.
- How to start conversations about mental and physical health.
- Supporting working dads and implementing inclusive flexible working policies.
- The power of the workplace: How employers can support and encourage male colleagues to access health and wellbeing services.
Panellists:
- Professor Robert Copeland, Director, Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre
- Cathy Lawson, Independent Workplace Health and Wellbeing Consultant, MHFA Instructor and Coach
- Jonjo Hancock Fell, Ecommerce and B2C Marketing Manager, Westfield Health
Hosted by:
- Bradley Smith, Health and Wellbeing Consultant, Westfield Health
Men’s health downloads
These free PDF guides offer tips to support men’s health in the workplace, including a printable ‘know your numbers’ poster to share with employees.
