Men's best health - lets make it happen!
Men's wellbeing
It's Never Been Easier
Mens health matters
As November approaches, we turn out focus to ‘Movember’, a global annual event held throughout November to raise awareness of men’s health.
Men face unique health challenges that can significantly impact workplace productivity, absenteeism and overall well-being. As an Occupational Health (OH) provider, we see firsthand how addressing these issues proactively benefits both employees and employers.
Men's Mental Health in the UK
- 1 in 8 men in the UK experience a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders (Mental Health Foundation, 2023).
- Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. In fact, men working in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average (ONS, 2021).
- Nearly half of construction workers report experiencing mental health issues at some point during their career (Lighthouse Club Construction Charity, 2022).
This isn’t just about numbers, these are our mates, our colleagues our brothers and our dads.
Key Health concerns
Men are more likely to experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease and mental health issues. Physically demanding roles, combined with lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet and low physical activity, all increase the risk of long-term health problems. Mental health also remains a critical area, with men less likely to seek support for stress, depression or anxiety, contributing to higher rates of presenteeism and absenteeism (HSE,2024)
Men's health isn't just about the absence of illness. It's about optimising health and happiness, physical and mental. As we age, we will inevitably encounter illness and health conditions. But these can be minimised with a well-balanced diet, minimising alcohol and avoiding smoking along with pro-active exercise, sleep and stress management.
Support as an employer
Employers often play a vital role in promoting men’s health and proactive support can be fun and engaging as well as supportive and informative.
Proactive support provided by OH and employers can include:
- Health Screening and Wellness checks: Regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and mental well-being can aid in identifying issues early.
- Workplace ergonomics: Reducing physical strain through ergonomic assessments and safe manual handling training to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
- Mental Health Support: Providing access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), counselling, and training for managers to recognise distress all foster a supportive environment.
- Lifestyle Support: Encouraging physical activity, health eating, smoking cessations and weight management through the use of workplace wellness initiatives can improve long-term health outcomes.
Benefits of this support to employers and businesses.
Investing in men’s health reduces sickness absence rates, increases productivity and enhances employee engagement. Organisations that normalise health-seeking behaviours and provide supportive resources create a positive culture where employees thrive.
