Men’s mental health in the workplace: Breaking the silence

Mental health has been a growing conversation in the workplace, but when it comes to men, this topic remains far too often silenced. Men are frequently socialised to be stoic, strong, and self-sufficient, which can make them reluctant to acknowledge or seek support for their mental health struggles. This cultural stigma surrounding mental health, especially among men, can create a barrier to wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. However, as awareness around mental health increases, it’s crucial to break the silence, support men in the workplace, and foster an environment that prioritises mental wellbeing for everyone. 

The hidden struggles: Why men often keep quiet 

Men’s mental health issues often go unaddressed because of deeply ingrained stereotypes. From a young age, lots of men are typically encouraged to "tough it out," with messages like "boys don’t cry" and "man up" being heard far too often. These societal pressures can make it challenging for men to open up about their feelings, especially in the context of work, where vulnerability can be perceived as weakness. 

This reluctance to speak up can manifest in many ways, such as feelings of isolation, anxiety, or stress, all of which may negatively affect job performance, relationships with colleagues, and overall wellbeing. Men in the workplace may also experience pressure to maintain a facade of emotional resilience, even when they are struggling. 

The impact of mental health struggles in the workplace 

When mental health is ignored or downplayed, the consequences can be far-reaching. Untreated mental health issues can lead to burnout, poor decision-making, decreased productivity, and absenteeism. These issues can have a significant impact not only on the individual but also on the company as a whole. According to research, men are less likely to seek professional help for mental health issues, with a recent survey from Priory finding 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health with 32% being work-related. This only exacerbates the problem with other studies showing that men are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as substance abuse, depression, and even suicide when their mental health needs are not addressed. 

Creating a supportive work environment that encourages open conversations around mental health can make a dramatic difference in preventing these negative outcomes. When people feel safe to share their struggles and access the support they need, the workplace becomes healthier, more inclusive, and more productive for everyone. 

Breaking the silence: Creating a supportive workplace for men’s mental health 

In order to break the silence and create a healthier work culture, it’s essential that men are actively encouraged to speak out about their mental health and seek help when needed. Here are some ways workplaces can begin to foster a supportive environment: 

1. Start the conversation 

The first step in breaking the silence is opening up the conversation. Leaders should create safe spaces where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of judgement or repercussions. This can be done through training, awareness campaigns, or regular discussions on wellbeing. 

2. Normalise vulnerability 

One of the best ways to encourage men to speak up is by normalising vulnerability. When male leaders and colleagues are open about their own struggles with mental health, it creates an atmosphere where others feel less isolated in their experiences. Vulnerability should be viewed as a strength, not a weakness. 

3. Provide accessible support 

Offering accessible mental health resources is crucial. This includes ensuring that all employees have access to mental health services – especially for those that feel unsure on where to turn. This is where Able Futures can help. We offer no-cost, confidential mental health support for employees, apprentices, self-employed professionals, and SME business owners across the UK. The service is delivered by mental health specialists and can be accessed without a referral from a GP or employer. 
 
If someone in your team is struggling – or if you’re unsure on where to being – Able Futures is here to help at no-cost to the individual or the business. Sharing information about this service and encouraging staff to reach out can make a real difference.  

4. Encourage work-life balance 

Overwork and job-related stress can contribute significantly to mental health issues. Encouraging men to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life and take regular breaks throughout the day can help alleviate stress. A supportive workplace should encourage employees to take time off when needed, without fear of stigma. 

5. Support men’s mental health initiatives 

There are many initiatives aimed at supporting men’s mental health. These include mental health awareness days, peer support groups, and mental health champions within organisations. Participating in or promoting these initiatives within the workplace can help normalise mental health conversations for men. 

A voice from our team: Personal reflections on mental health in the workplace 

To further emphasise the importance of breaking the silence around men’s mental health, we reached out to one of our own male team members, Simon Tansell-Brown, shared his personal journey: 

"Now at the ripe age of 54, I feel quite aware of my own mental health and how this can affect my everyday life – but this hasn’t always been the case. For a long time, I didn’t realise the toll stress could take on me. I was used to pushing through, telling myself I had to be strong, get on with it, be the ‘man of the house’ and hold it together for everyone else. 

Over the years, this changed as life events unfolded – my partner’s severe depression, autoimmune issues, and perimenopause, not to mention the pressures of work while raising a family. Looking back, how I coped (or didn’t) became clearer once I recognised that it was okay not to be okay. That realisation made a massive difference. 

The support I’ve received at work has helped me feel more confident managing my own wellbeing. I wish more men felt empowered to speak up – it’s not a sign of weakness; it’s actually a sign of strength. 

Now, in a position where I support and manage others, I can’t overstate how important it is to create space for people to talk about their bad days. It’s essential to supporting individuals and managing teams effectively." 

Simon’s openness and honesty are a powerful reminder of why this conversation matters. His experience highlights the value of vulnerability and the need for continued support in the workplace. 

Moving forward: Promoting positive change 

The workplace is a crucial environment where men spend a significant portion of their lives, so creating a culture that acknowledges and supports mental health is vital. By openly discussing mental health, normalising vulnerability, and providing resources, we can break the silence around men’s mental health and create workplaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

Let’s work together to challenge outdated stereotypes and build a more supportive work culture, one where men’s mental health is just as valued as their professional contributions.