Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: What your business needs to know

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to highlight an often-overlooked issue. Men are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health challenges and are three times more likely to die by suicide than women¹, with  stigma and societal expectations playing significant roles. For businesses, supporting male employees’ mental wellbeing isn’t just about fulfilling a moral duty—it’s a key factor in ensuring workplace health, safety, and productivity.

In this article, NFP’s Director of Health and Safety Jonathan Williams explores the relationship between mental health and workplace safety, the signs of mental health struggles in men, and how employers can foster a supportive environment.

The link between mental health and workplace safety

Mental health and workplace safety are deeply intertwined. When employees are struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, it can impair their concentration, decision-making, and reaction times. This increases the risk of accidents, particularly in high-risk environments such as construction or manufacturing.

For example, a stressed worker might skip crucial safety checks or be more prone to errors, putting themselves and their colleagues at risk. A study from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveals that poor mental health contributes to nearly half of all work-related illnesses.²

A recent survey undertaken by insurer QBE uncovered that more than one in five construction workers report suffering an injury at work due to poor mental health. For those that have continued to work with mental ill health; the majority (76%) say mental ill health increases risk of injury.³

Moreover, mental health struggles can lead to a cycle of presenteeism, where employees come to work but are unable to perform effectively. This not only impacts productivity but also heightens safety risks across various industries. The cost of inaction isn’t just financial—it can have life-altering consequences for employees and their families.

Signs of mental health struggles in male employees

Men can often experience mental health challenges differently from women. While both can face anxiety and depression, men may be more likely to express their struggles through irritability, withdrawal, or a decline in performance.

Common signs include:

• Increased absenteeism or lateness.
• Changes in mood or behaviour. This includes irritability, sudden anger, increased loss of control, risk-taking and aggression.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Physical symptoms such as fatigue or unexplained aches.

Men may also be more likely to use alcohol and drugs to cope with their depression rather than talking about it. They may use escapist behaviour too, such as throwing themselves into their work.⁴ This can mask underlying issues, making it harder for employers or colleagues to recognise when someone is struggling.

Additionally, societal pressures to "tough it out" or "be strong" can prevent men from seeking the help they need. This reluctance often means their challenges remain hidden until they escalate into more serious problems, such as burnout, accidents at work, or severe mental health crises.

Understanding these signs is the first step towards offering support.

Strategies for employers

As an employer, you have a unique opportunity to foster an environment that supports men’s mental health. Here are some actionable steps:

1. Introduce a mental health policy. Develop a comprehensive policy that outlines how your organisation supports employees’ mental wellbeing. This could include access to counselling, training for managers, and clear procedures for reporting concerns.
2. Provide access to support services. Offer an employee assistance programme (EAP) that provides confidential counselling and advice. Ensure employees know how to access these services. With NFP’s tailored employee benefits packages, you can easily integrate an EAP into your benefits offering, providing meaningful support to your workforce.
3. Encourage work-life balance. Flexible working arrangements can help employees better manage stress. Encourage regular breaks and discourage a culture of overwork. Providing opportunities for employees to disconnect outside of working hours can also prevent burnout and promote overall wellbeing.
4. Promote physical wellbeing. Physical activity is proven to improve mental health. Consider offering gym memberships as part of your employee benefits offering, organising workplace fitness challenges, or sponsoring team sports.
5. Train managers to spot the signs. Equip managers with the skills to recognise and address mental health issues sensitively. This can help them intervene early and connect employees with the resources they need.

Conclusion

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that wellbeing in the workplace goes beyond physical safety—it’s about fostering an environment where employees feel supported and valued. By prioritising mental health, employers can reduce risks, improve morale, and build a more resilient workforce.