Men's Health Week | What employers must learn about supporting men's wellbeing

As Men’s Health Week (9–15 June) shines a spotlight on the physical and mental health of men across the UK, two major insights have emerged: men are struggling in silence, and many still don’t feel safe or supported enough to speak up.

Recent findings and expert advice offer a clear roadmap for HR leaders and employers on how to build workplaces where men feel able, and willing, to ask for help.

According to new research from Office Freedom, 16% of men say they receive no mental health support at work at all, despite over 62% agreeing that some form of workplace support is important. Alarmingly, nearly a third (32%) of men say they don’t want support from their employer - a figure that reflects the lingering stigma and discomfort around mental health discussions at work.

Nathan Shearman, a psychotherapist and director of therapy and training at Red Umbrella, says this avoidance isn’t surprising.