Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: Action-driven solutions to support your staff

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the unique challenges that men face every day. 

While everyone experiences mental health hurdles, traditional perceptions of masculinity prevent many men from acknowledging and articulating their emotional concerns. Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month aims to break down barriers, encourage honest conversations, and shape effective support. 

There’s still a long way to go. A Priory Health study found that while 77% of men had suffered from negative medical health, 40% had never spoken about it. Most said ‘they’ve learned to deal with it’ (40%), ‘don’t wish to be a burden’ (36%), or are ‘too embarrassed’ (29%). Other reasons included not wanting to appear weak, feeling there’s a stigma around mental health, and having no one to talk to. 

Worryingly, 40% admitted that only thoughts of suicide or self-harm would prompt them to seek professional help. With nearly 12 men in England and Wales losing their lives to suicide every day – making it the leading cause of death of males under 50 – it’s time to take urgent action. 

This article helps you spot the signs of poor mental health across your team – and take practical steps to support your staff, aligning policies, leadership, and culture to protect and empower your employees.

The business case for better mental health 

Your workers’ wellbeing directly affects your productivity, growth, and success. In the UK, 16.4 working days are lost each year due to employee stress, anxiety and depression – often driven by work-related pressures. The Priory survey shows that, among men, the primary triggers of poor mental health are: 

• Work-related stress (32%) 
• Financial worries (31%) 
• Health concerns (23%) 
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Work is a key factor in male emotional ill health – but it’s also a pivotal part of the solution. By cultivating a compassionate, open-minded culture, companies can strengthen staff resilience while tackling costly absenteeism and disengagement. 

Simple measures like setting clearer boundaries between work and personal life, promoting flexible schedules, and offering access to support services help employees confidently navigate mental health worries and boost business performance at the same time. 

Spotting the signs 

Burnout, irritability, exhaustion, and overwhelm can all be signs that it’s time to take action – either for yourself or someone around you. As an employer, training teams to spot the symptoms of poor mental health can help staff access targeted help before worries escalate. 

Mental health symptoms may present differently in men, who may feel they can’t freely express their emotions. Everyone struggles in their own way, but common signs of male mental health issues include: 

• Working long hours 
• Low energy and exhaustion 
• Burnout 
• Short-term thinking 
• Boredom and listlessness 
• Sadness and depression 
• Anxiousness 
• Debt problems
• Anger and irritability 
• Feelings of hopelessness 
• Drug or alcohol use 
• Excessive risk-taking 
  

Action-focused solutions 

While talking therapies are often the first stop in tackling mental health concerns, they may not be the right fit for men. Research has shown that males typically respond to more practical, action-led solutions. 

While these points aim to improve male mental health, taking steps to enhance awareness, action, and open dialogue will benefit everyone in your business. 

Lead by example – A supportive culture starts at the top, with leaders committed to shattering the stigma around male mental health. Use internal comms vehicles, such as blogs, toolbox talks, and staff meetings to share experiences, increase understanding, and publicise available support. 

Teach managers to spot the signs – Provide training for managers and senior leaders to recognise common male mental health symptoms, equipping them with tools and resources to provide tailored support. Talk to your Opus consultant for guidance. 

Build a team of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) – MHFAs are your ‘boots on the ground’, equipped with specialised training to recognise and respond to someone experiencing mental health problems or a mental health crisis. They’re taught to intervene early, respond in an emergency, and signpost appropriate professional help. 

Rethink your language – Reframe conversations around mental health with less emotional, more action-oriented language. Instead of feelings, talk about solutions. Encourage ‘teaming up’ instead of ‘opening up’. ‘Self-maintenance’ in place of ‘self-love’ and ‘self-care’. 

Schedule a ‘Men’s Club’ call – A regular online catch-up gives male colleagues a safe space to focus on progress against personal goals. Weekly or monthly check-ins encourage accountability and provide a healthy forum to celebrate small gains. 

Walk and talk – Give staff a dose of fresh air and friendly conversation with a lunchtime or after-work walking club. Research shows that regular connection boosts serotonin, leading to greater happiness, focus, and calmness. 

Consider external benefits and services – Review your benefits to strengthen mental and physical health support through discounted gym memberships, meditation apps, and therapy services. Similarly, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can link employees to counsellors, medical, and legal experts to address the root cause of mental health concerns.  

Signpost professional help – This information should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Please encourage your team to speak to their doctor or health professional as needed. Additional support links include: 

• NHS Every Mind Matters resources
• Mind mental health charity 
• Campaign Against Living Miserably 
• Movember men’s mental health and suicide prevention foundation  
• Heads Up Guys male mental health charity 
• StrongMen male bereavement charity 
• Step Change debt charity 
• National Debtline 
• Moneyhelper.org  

Partner with Opus for personalised mental health support 

Opus provides dedicated, holistic services to improve staff physical and mental health, effectively manage absence, and support workers through comprehensive employee assistance programmes. 

To discuss a healthier way forward for your team, get in touch on 0330 043 4015 or email hello@opus-safety.co.uk.