Movember is an annual campaign held every November, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The Movember Foundation encourages men to grow moustaches during the month to spark conversations and raise funds for these critical issues.

The Importance of Movember

Men’s health often receives less attention, leading to lower awareness and understanding of the issues affecting men. By supporting Movember, organisations can highlight the importance of men’s health, promote early detection and treatment of diseases, and support mental health initiatives. This campaign not only fosters a culture of openness and support but also contributes to the overall wellbeing and productivity of male employees.

How Organisations Can Get Involved

  1. Grow a Moustache: Encourage male employees to participate by growing a moustache. This visible symbol can help spark conversations and raise awareness within the workplace.
  2. Host Fundraising Events: Organise events such as charity runs, bake sales, or sports competitions to raise funds for the Movember Foundation. Engage employees by creating team challenges or competitions.
  3. Promote Awareness and Education: Share educational materials on men’s health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health. Host workshops or seminars with healthcare professionals to provide valuable information.
  4. Create Support Networks: Establish support groups or buddy systems where male employees can share experiences and offer support to each other.
  5. Encourage Regular Health Checks: Advocate for regular medical check-ups and screenings. Provide information on how employees can access these services and consider partnering with local health providers for on-site health checks.

Common Health Issues Affecting Men in the Workplace

Physical Health Issues
  • Prostate Cancer: A common cancer in men, early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
  • Testicular Cancer: While less common, testicular cancer primarily affects younger men. Regular self-examinations and awareness are crucial for early detection.
  • Heart Disease: Often linked to lifestyle factors, heart disease can be prevented through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
Mental Health Issues
  • Depression: Men may experience depression differently than women, often showing signs of irritability, anger, or withdrawing from activities.
  • Anxiety: Symptoms can include excessive worrying, restlessness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate.
  • Suicide: Men are statistically more likely to die by suicide, highlighting the importance of mental health support and open conversations about emotional wellbeing.

What Employers Should Look Out For

  1. Changes in Behaviour: Noticeable changes in mood, irritability, or withdrawal from social interactions can be signs of mental health struggles.
  2. Physical Symptoms: Unexplained fatigue, frequent headaches, or other physical complaints may indicate underlying health issues.
  3. Absenteeism: Increased or unexplained absenteeism can be a sign that an employee is dealing with physical or mental health challenges.
  4. Decreased Productivity: A drop in the quality or quantity of work output may indicate health issues affecting an employee’s performance.
  5. Communication Issues: Difficulty in communicating effectively or changes in interaction patterns with colleagues may signal health problems.

How Employers Can Support Male Employee Health

  1. Provide Health Education: Offer resources and training on men’s health issues, including cancer awareness and mental health support.
  2. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and smoking cessation programs.
  3. Implement Mental Health Programs: Establish Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), provide access to counseling services, and create a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported.
  4. Facilitate Regular Health Screenings: Organise on-site health checks and screenings for common men’s health issues, or provide information on where employees can access these services.
  5. Foster an Inclusive Environment: Encourage open discussions about health and wellbeing, creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.

Workplace Wellbeing Professional & Movember

Workplace Wellbeing Professional actively encourages participation for Movember, as not only does it address critical health issues that disproportionately affect men, but also challenges traditional stereotypes of masculinity by encouraging men to speak up.

WWP publish frequently about mens health, both in and outside of the workplace. Take a look at some recent news stories below (with much more to be found in the topic index):

Some of our exclusive feature articles from wellbeing and mental health experts can be found below (with much more to be found in the topic index):

Further Reading and Resources

  • Movember Foundation: Official site for the Movember campaign with information on men’s health issues and how to get involved.
  • NHS – Men’s Health: Information on men’s health and wellbeing from the NHS.
  • Prostate Cancer UK: UK-based charity providing information and support for prostate cancer.
  • Mind: Mental health charity offering resources and support for mental health issues.
  • Men’s Health Forum: Provides health information and support specifically for men.
Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Joanne Swann
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.