Understanding Men's Mental Health Challenges: Top Strategies for Organisations to Break Stigmas and Build a Supportive Workplace

As we approach International Men’s Day on 19 November, it is crucial to address the critical issue of men’s mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Globally, approximately 12 billion working days are lost annually to depression and anxiety alone, costing an estimated US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity¹, and it is evident that men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health challenges.² Alcohol abuse, depression and specific phobias are among the most common mental health disorders affecting men³, and the global suicide rate is over twice as high among men than women,⁴ underscoring the severity of this issue.

International SOS, the world's leading health and security risk services company, provides some tips on good practices for organisations to implement effective strategies to address this issue and ensure supportive and inclusive work environments for all.

Dr Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, Global Health Advisor, Wellness & Mental Health at International SOS, comments:

Organisations play a pivotal role in dismantling the stigmas surrounding mental health for men and fostering a culture where mental health and wellbeing are prioritised positively impacts workforce productivity and resilience. The global mental health landscape is increasingly complex, with ongoing conflicts and public health crises posing persistent threats to progress. International Men’s Day is a timely reminder to acknowledge the significance of men’s mental health and to challenge the stigma that may prevent men from seeking help. Often overlooked, men face unique challenges in seeking and accessing mental health support. Social stigma, fear of judgment and difficulty expressing emotions can hinder their ability to address mental health issues.

Workplace stressors, such as excessive workload, lack of control, and insufficient recognition, can exacerbate mental health problems for men. To address these challenges effectively, organisations should prioritise creating supportive and inclusive workplaces that foster understanding and empathy for the workforce’s emotional needs. By breaking down stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health, employers can empower individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

International SOS offers top tips for organisations to help break stigmas and build a supportive workplace:

Create a supportive work environment: Foster a workplace culture that prioritises mental wellbeing by encouraging work-life balance and recognising the importance of mental health. This can include initiatives like having awareness days dedicated to mental health, stress management workshops and wellness programmes.
Promote open conversations: Encourage open dialogue about mental health by creating safe spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Regularly host workshops, seminars or informal discussions to normalise conversations around mental health.
Train managers and leaders: Equip managers and leaders with the skills to recognise signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support. Training should include how to approach sensitive conversations, offer support and refer employees to professional help when needed.
Provide confidential access to mental health professionals: Ensure that employees have confidential access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counsellors, through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or partnerships with mental health organisations. Additionally, consider offering on-site counselling sessions or virtual consultations with strict confidentiality protocols to ensure employees feel safe and secure when seeking help.
Regularly assess and improve: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your mental health initiatives through employee feedback and regular assessments. Use surveys, focus groups, and anonymous feedback channels to understand your workforce's needs and concerns.

_{1. World Health Organization | Mental health at work

2. Smith, G. D. and Hebdon, M. Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviour in Men. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2024

3. Harvard Medical School | Half of World's Population Will Experience a Mental Health Disorder

4. International Association for Suicide Prevention | Global Suicide Statistics}

About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices.

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com