43% of Men Want More Mental Health Support at Work
This survey of 8,000 UK adults highlights not only the demand for workplace mental health services but also the urgent need for companies to address the unique challenges their male employees face.
The Reality of Men's Mental Health at Work
The Bupa survey showed that half (50%) of the male respondents admitted to experiencing mental health struggles. However, despite the prevalence of these issues, 65% of employees acknowledged the ongoing stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
While the results are concerning, they’re not entirely unexpected. No matter how robust a company’s policies may be, external factors outside of work often impact employees’ mental wellbeing. This means businesses must go beyond simply reducing workplace stressors and start providing comprehensive mental health support systems.
Proactive and Reactive Support: A Balanced Approach
Addressing mental health in the workplace requires both proactive and reactive support. Proactive measures include mental health training for staff, raising awareness, and appointing mental health first aiders. Reactive support might involve providing access to counselling, therapy sessions, or confidential helplines.
Despite only 20% of survey respondents citing work as the primary cause of their mental health challenges, it’s clear that mental health issues, regardless of their origin, inevitably affect job performance. Employees are increasingly looking to their employers to provide the necessary support to navigate these challenges.
Breaking the Stigma: How Workplaces Can Help
The stigma around men’s mental health remains a significant barrier. There is still a lingering expectation for men to ‘man up and get on with it,’ making it harder for them to seek help. This culture of silence exacerbates mental health struggles and discourages open conversations.
Creating a culture of transparency and support within businesses is key to breaking down these barriers.
Increased awareness and transparency from a business perspective around where the challenges for your workforce lie can go a long way to improving the well-being of your employees.
Implementing a connected strategy that reduces stigma while enhancing existing support mechanisms is vital. This might involve:
Conducting mental health awareness workshops
Providing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
Offering flexible access to counselling and therapy services
Creating peer support groups or employee resource networks
