Mental health has become a far more open topic in the workplace in recent years, especially since the Covid-19 global pandemic. Yet, when it comes to men, the conversation often falls silent. Many men are brought up to feel that they have to be stoic, independent, and strong; traits that can make it difficult to admit when something isn’t right. This pressure to appear ‘in control’ often stops men from reaching out for help.
Let’s face it, the cultural stigma surrounding men’s mental health continues to hold people back, creating barriers to wellbeing, connection, and performance at work. But, as awareness continues to grow, it’s time to break that silence, to support men in the workplace, and build a culture that values mental wellbeing just as much as productivity.
I do believe that we are making progress, but there is still a long way to go. The problem is that we humans can be a fickle bunch. Anyone remember ‘Me Too’, or ‘Be Kind’? When it comes to mental health awareness, we need to do something that will stick. Something that will stand the test of time and not end up being just another soundbite.
So, with this in mind (no pun intended), let’s look a little deeper into the topic, and see what we can do to make a lasting change. And feel free to drop your thoughts and ideas in the comments below, and let’s start a conversation.
The Hidden Struggles and Why Men Often Keep Quiet
Many of us will agree that men’s mental health struggles are often hidden beneath the surface. From an early age, many boys are taught to “man up” or “keep it together,” messages that can stay with them into adult life. In a workplace setting, this can make showing emotion or asking for help feel like a risk, a potential sign of weakness rather than strength.
As a result, many men carry their worries alone. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation can build quietly over time, affecting job performance, relationships with colleagues, and overall health and wellbeing. The pressure to seem unshakable or to “just get on with it” often leads men to hide their struggles instead of seeking support.
The Cost of Staying Silent
When mental health problems are left unspoken or untreated, the effects can reach far beyond the individual. Burnout, poor focus, and absenteeism are just some of the outcomes that can impact both the person and the business.
Research continues to show the scale of the issue. A recent survey commissioned by the Priory Group found that 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, with nearly a third saying their concerns are linked to work. The longer these struggles go unaddressed, the greater the risk of more serious outcomes, including depression, alcohol and substance misuse, and even suicide.
By encouraging open conversations and creating an environment where people feel safe to ask for help, workplaces can help to reduce or even prevent these outcomes, and become healthier, more productive places for everyone.
Break the Silence and Build Supportive Workplaces
Encouraging men to speak openly about their mental health takes effort and understanding. So here are some practical steps I believe workplaces can take, to make that change happen:
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Start the Conversation
Change begins with conversation. Leaders and managers should create safe spaces for staff to talk about mental health without fear of judgement. This could include regular wellbeing check-ins, training for managers, or awareness campaigns that show employees it’s okay to speak up.
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Normalise Vulnerability
One of the most powerful ways to encourage others to open up is through example. When male leaders or colleagues share their own experiences, it helps to show that vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s a natural human emotion. Encouraging open discussions like these can help to build a better understanding and connection across teams.
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Make Support Easy to Find
Practical support should be easy to access and clearly communicated. This might include internal mental health champions, mental health first aiders, employee assistance programs, or simply sharing trusted resources such as:
- Mind
- Men’s Sheds
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
- Samaritans
- Shout — or text SHOUT to 85258
If someone at work is struggling, these resources can be invaluable first steps toward getting much needed support. By simply sharing this information, you can help someone realise that they’re not alone.
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Encourage a Healthier Work – Life Balance
Work-related stress can quickly and easily take over, particularly for those who feel a pressure to constantly perform, to constantly be at the top of their game. Encouraging men to take regular breaks, and to use their annual leave to actually take a break and get some rest and relaxation, and finally, to ‘switch off’ from work mode outside of their normal work hours, can make a big difference. Because a culture that respects balance can help to reduce burnout and improve mental wellbeing.
With the rise of remote or hybrid working practices post-Covid, and the constant connectivity available to us through technology, it’s not surprising that we can find it challenging to switch off from work outside of our regular working hours. Research by Dr Elizabeth Braithwaite (Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University) Elizabeth Braithwaite et al. documented the effects of constant connectivity. Dr Braithwaite explained that with emails readily accessible to us on our phones, it’s far too easy to feel the need to check them during our ‘down time’.
According to research by CIPD, 40% of people admit to checking their work emails at least five times a day outside of their normal working hours, with almost a third saying remote access to work means they can never fully switch off.
This percentage rises even further when we look at those who admit to email checking during annual leave. A poll by YouGov reported that 60% of people admit to refreshing their work inbox while we’re on holiday.
To support employee mental health, employers should look to set clear policies on after-hours communication in order to promote a healthy work-life balance. Line managers should also lead by example by not emailing outside of work hours and instead use scheduling tools to avoid sending late-night messages. This will have the added benefit of giving them more ‘down time’ from work too.
That said, encouraging healthy boundaries is about more than just switching off work emails, it’s also about stepping back from the constant noise of our ‘digital life’. Another practical step towards healthier boundaries is encouraging a regular digital detox.
Many of us stay connected long after the working day ends, checking notifications, scrolling through social media, or replying to “just one more email.” Over time, this constant connectivity keeps our mind in a state of alertness and stops us from getting meaningful rest.
Encouraging staff to disconnect from screens, even for short periods, can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost focus when they return to work. Employers can support this by promoting device-free breaks, encouraging ‘outdoor time’ by going for a walk to help them to switch off, and modelling digital balance themselves. I like to call it being more ‘analogue’! Because, sometimes, simply stepping away from our screens, even for a short while, is the simplest way to reset both our body and our mind.
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Back Men’s Mental Health Initiatives
Workplace initiatives such as Mental Health Awareness Days, peer support groups, wellbeing check-ins, are great initiatives that can provide high levels of return for very little outlay. Or why not look to appoint mental health champions. Trusted people within the organisation who can all help normalise the conversation around mental health and wellbeing. People who are trained to offer a listening ear, and signpost others to professional help if needed. Getting involved shows commitment and helps keep mental health on the agenda throughout the year.
These initiatives don’t have to be complicated. What matters most is consistency and authenticity. When employees see that these efforts are genuine, and not just tick-box exercises, they’re far more likely to feel safe in speaking up.
Backing men’s mental health initiatives sends a powerful message, that it’s okay not to be okay, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not failure. Over time, these small, consistent actions can cause a shift workplace culture from silence to understanding, creating an environment where men feel valued for who they are, not just for the work they do.
Making Change Happen
The more we talk about men’s mental health at work, the more normal it becomes. Every open conversation helps break down the stigma and build workplaces where people feel supported, understood, and able to be themselves without worrying about being judged.
Let’s challenge the outdated ideas of strength and stoicism. Instead, let’s learn to support one another, and make men’s mental health as much a part of workplace conversation as physical safety or performance. When men feel safe, supported, and heard, everyone benefits.
Let me know in the comments below how you believe we can best drive this forward and ensure it gains traction. Also, feel free to share this with anyone who you feel might benefit from reading it, or can use it as a springboard for change.
Let’s start the conversation and keep it going.