November (or Movember) is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. On the 1st of this month, men all over the world shave off their moustaches to encourage donations in support of men’s mental and physical health.
This time is a great opportunity to draw attention to health issues faced by men, start important conversations, and increase access to support for those who need it.
In this post, we’ll focus on men’s mental health in the workplace in conversation with some of our consultants: Chris Lee, Nathaniel Long, and James Hayne.
Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace
Workplaces can present unique mental health challenges, especially for men who may feel the added pressure to "tough it out" rather than seek help. We asked the team to share their thoughts on this:
Nathaniel: I’d say the most common mental health challenges in the workplace are stress, anxiety, and depression. Burnout from overwork is a big issue. A lot of people can feel isolated and lonely, in high-pressure environments, especially if they’re underperforming.
James: Agreed, it’s difficult to really step away from the job and get out of ‘work mode’, especially if there’s a lot going on.
Chris: Not just in recruitment but in any fast-paced industry, whether it’s burnout due to long hours and high expectations or low morale from personal performance, it can get really tough.
Societal Expectations
Unfortunately, many men often feel pressure to meet traditional gender roles, which can lead to avoiding discussions about mental health. This lack of openness can create isolation, making it harder to reach out for support.
Talking about mental health is still stigmatised in many workplaces, particularly among men. Worry about judgment or perceived weakness can prevent employees from addressing their mental health concerns openly.
Strategies for Dealing with Mental Health Challenges at Work
Taking proactive steps can make a meaningful difference in managing mental health. Here are our consultants’ favourite strategies:
Chris: A big one for me is to set realistic and simple goals, I’ve found that’s actually the best way to tackle a large workload without overwhelming myself.
Nat: Some of the most helpful strategies have been practicing self-care, like taking regular breaks and making time for exercise – that’s a huge one for me personally.
James: Yep, I think it’s quite cliché, but exercise really is a great way to take your mind off things and a good outlet for stress.
Exercise and Physical Well-being
Physical activity can be a powerful tool in managing stress, improving mood, and boosting overall energy levels. Incorporating regular movement into your day, whether through gym workouts, walks, or desk stretches, can benefit both mental and physical health.
Practising Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or guided mindfulness exercises can help manage stress levels and improve focus. Even setting aside just a few minutes a day to practice mindfulness can promote clarity and resilience.
What Employers Can Do to Help
Employers play a crucial role in fostering a supportive workplace environment for mental health. Our consultants share their thoughts:
James: Employers can actively be mindful about their employees’ mental health and create an environment that promotes open discussions about it.
Nat: Absolutely, a culture of openness and destigmatising the conversation is key.
James: I think there’s some nice incentives/perks that some companies offer, things like mental health days off and flexible working. Our hybrid model is great for this, less commuting means more time in the day to focus on ourselves and wellbeing.
Nat: Comprehensive mental health benefits and resources, training managers to recognise and address issues, all these things can make a big difference.
Chris: Even just consistently recognising and rewarding employees’ efforts helps to boost morale! I know our incentives, progression, and commission scheme at Hunter Bond, for example, all do a lot to motivate me.
Creating a Culture of Openness
Encouraging open conversations around mental health, especially from leadership, can help destigmatise mental health challenges. When managers show empathy and understanding, it can empower employees to speak up.
Providing Access to Resources
Employers can support mental health by offering access to resources, mental health days, and flexible working arrangements. These initiatives allow employees to balance work with self-care and seek help when needed.
How We Can Work Together to Break the Stigma
Supporting men's mental health in the workplace is a collective effort that requires participation from both employees and employers. Here are some ideas from our team:
James: Talk!
Nat: Exactly, normalising discussions around mental health is crucial to break the stigma. And I think it’s most effective top-down: leadership needs to be transparent about men’s mental health and lead by example.
Chris: Not to mention, as well as encouraging leaders and employees to share their own mental health experiences, we should also make sure we are listening without judgement.
Nat: When people feel comfortable opening up, it helps create a more supportive environment for everyone.
Normalising Conversations
Normalising discussions about mental health helps break down the stigma, encouraging men to share their experiences without fear of judgment. Supporting mental health events, like Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, can also build a more inclusive culture.
Encouraging Peer Support
Connecting with colleagues who share similar experiences fosters solidarity and reassurance. Whether through informal networks or structured mental health champions, peer support can be instrumental in normalising mental health struggles and creating a supportive workplace.
Final Thoughts
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that mental well-being matters, no matter your gender. By fostering supportive workplace environments, breaking down stigmas, and encouraging proactive strategies, we can collectively improve men’s mental health outcomes and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
