On average we dedicate approximately one-third of our lifetime to work so it is crucial for businesses to get it right when it comes to dealing with the impact of potential negative workplace issues on their employees' mental and physical wellbeing.

However, it is concerning that men are three times more likely to commit suicide compared to women, and they are also less inclined to seek help and consistently report lower levels of life satisfaction at all ages compared to women, as indicated by one government wellbeing survey. 

The negatives of traditional masculinity

We have socialised ideals of masculinity. 

Psychotherapist and men’s specialist coach Chris Hemmings says the term ‘toxic masculinity’ is demeaning and pushes men away from engaging. “What men show are problematic behaviours because of the expectations of rigid masculinity, ie. when you have to be strong, brave and tough and in charge and show no emotion all of the time. 

“Most of us know this is not how it should be, but it is often how it is right now, and the solution lies in men freeing themselves from these constraints. Otherwise when there is a power vacuum, the nefarious characters slip into it because they are tapping into a need. 

“Some men feel confused and scared about how they should be now, and these powerhouses offer you the answers and you go on to regurgitate their rhetoric because at some point it made you feel better or gave you a clue about what to aim for. Andrew Tate’s influence is a perfect example.” 

The term ‘toxic masculinity’ is demeaning and pushes men away from engaging

The stigma of being a man 

There is a lot of blame on men as a result of terrible incidents of harassment, misogyny or physical violence. 

We know that women shouldn’t ever feel fear to be on their own but many good men are often now frightened to get on a bus, in a lift or walk in an underpass when there is a single woman there. 

Many men now experience a growing tide of rhetoric suggesting ‘men are the problem’ – it’s no wonder that so many are reluctant to actively engage with any concrete solutions. 

Inclusion must extend to men as well

Speaking on behalf of everyone in the room means inclusivity for all and that has to include men too.  

In some organisations we’ve spoken to, men are simply not allowed to have a men’s network because it is against the Equality Act – something that is indicative of the whole problem according to Chris Hemmings. “Men are not allowed to have healthy spaces because some men in the past created unhealthy ones. As with any gender or group, we need to be able to allow men to get support because ultimately the more empathy the better for the individual not to mention everyone in that business and therefore the bottom line. Everyone should be taken care of in the workplace, and everyone has a part to play.”

Avoid gender stereotypes of any kind and recognise we all have masculine and feminine in us whatever our gender

Key areas of focus for the C-suite

1. Recognise that men are less likely to ask for help – whilst supporting all staff in managing their mental health

Time away from work is vital for wellbeing, but taking extra time off is often not a sufficient mental health solution because if workplace factors are not improved such as poor culture, employees will only return and experience the same feelings. 

Ensure that your company’s culture is not harming the wellbeing of your employees.

2. Challenge and dismantle male stereotypes
 

We are more acutely aware of gender issues when we consider women in the workplace

But ‘Real men don’t cry’ and ‘man up’ and men ‘bringing home the bacon’ are still heard on a daily basis. 

Avoid gender stereotypes of any kind and recognise we all have masculine and feminine in us whatever our gender.

3. Invest in mental health and reap the rewards

We need to encourage men in the workplace to seek help for their mental health and to talk more about how they are feeling. 

Investing in mental health shows that you are dedicated to long-term employee care. A 2022 Deloitte report found employers receive a return of £5.30 on average for every £1 they invest in staff mental health. 

Alternatively, the cost of new recruitment can average £30,000. Regular training (not one-off events) helps us spot the warning signs when someone is struggling and helps identify and provide support for vulnerable employees. 

An external facilitator will enable an open and non-judgmental environment where everyone can voice their thoughts and concerns and reduce the fear of retribution.

4. Enable men to prioritise their own wellbeing

Men need to be compassionate, empathetic and good to others, but also to themselves. That’s why it is vital for men to be met with an understanding that they also experience difficulties, pain and anxiety.

If you suspect someone is struggling, asking them how you can help relieve their stress and offering them a deep listening ear can have a measurable impact

5. Listen out for warning signs

Whilst it’s nice to ask, ‘How are you?’ and ‘Are you okay?’, this is likely to elicit an affirmative ‘I’m fine, thanks’ regardless of the truth. Especially with men.  

If you suspect someone is struggling, asking them how you can help relieve their stress and offering them a deep listening ear can have a measurable impact. This calls for both empathy and sensitivity.

6. Replace the culture of machismo with open discussions about healthy masculinity 

Organisations can do this by fostering an inclusive and safe culture where men feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable, and the more we do it the more it will be normalised. Ask men to tell you more and give them the space to process their emotions.

The leadership hierarchy ... in healthy organisations is made up of those who understand their main role is to create an inclusive healthy culture so employees can get on with doing their jobs happily and healthily

7. Acknowledge the unique needs and differences of men

We develop poor behaviour because either we have been taught to think negatively or we lack good influences. Having good male role models is incredibly important for men. 

We also need to recognise that men and women engage differently with their mental and emotional wellbeing.

8. Be transparent, authentic & caring as a leader

The leadership hierarchy (if there is one) in healthy organisations is made up of those who understand their main role is to create an inclusive healthy culture so employees can get on with doing their jobs happily and healthily. 

These leaders frequently check in on staff and provide managers with the confidence to recognise and address cultural problems affecting mental health including burnout, excessive hours, fear and overbearing demands and pressures. 

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