Almost half (43%) of working British men are urging their employers to provide greater mental health support, amid findings that stigma remains a major barrier preventing men from seeking help.
Research published in the latest Bupa Wellbeing Index reveals that 50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice. Worryingly, 37% of UK men admit actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners.
The key factors affecting men’s mental health at work include lack of self-confidence (27%), traumatic life events (25%), unhappiness in their jobs (20%) and relationship issues (21%). Despite the significant impact these issues have, nearly a third (30%) of men surveyed said they didn’t know where to turn for advice or support.
Men Reluctant to Speak Out
The survey shows a clear reluctance among men to discuss their struggles. Less than one in three men confide in their partner (30%), family (26%) or friends (24%) when facing mental health difficulties. Additionally, 65% of employees recognise that stigma around men’s mental health remains strong, with 10% feeling it has worsened in recent years.
Dr Naveen Puri, medical director at Bupa UK, said people should encourage their male colleagues to talk about issues that may be troubling them.
“We often find that men avoid talking about their emotions and feelings, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling with their mental health, and sadly around three out of every four people who die by suicide are men.”
Dr Puri encouraged workplaces to be proactive in recognising signs that someone might be struggling, which can include irritability, aggression or increased risk-taking behaviour. “If you recognise any of these signs in a colleague, it might be a good idea to reach out to them and offer help and support,” Dr Puri said.
Employers Can Provide Solutions
Despite the persistent stigma, many workplaces have successfully implemented practical strategies to support men’s mental wellbeing, illustrating the powerful role employers can play.
Workplace wellness initiatives that include mental health first aiders, confidential counselling services and employee assistance programmes (EAPs) have proven particularly effective. Companies have also found success by actively normalising conversations around mental health through internal communication campaigns, manager training sessions and peer-support groups.
The Bupa Need a Lift campaign, for example, offers managers practical guidance on supporting male employees who might be struggling. The campaign provides resources to foster a culture where speaking up is encouraged and accessible, confidential help is readily available.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK, said the right kind of support for men experiencing mental health problems was important.
“For men, confidential support can make a huge difference,” he said. “Where they may struggle to speak to their loved ones about their health through fear of failure or weakness, anonymised support and a safe place to speak openly can break the barrier of outdated male stereotypes.”
He said such measures were vital not just for wellbeing but also business continuity, as mental health remained a leading cause of workplace absence.
Jaureguizar added that it was “essential that businesses support normalising conversations about mental health and provide access to confidential services, to retain valuable talent in their workforce”.
Practical Steps Employers Can Take
Bupa’s research identified several practical actions that employers can immediately adopt to support men’s mental health in the workplace:
- Promote balanced working practices, encouraging regular breaks and clear boundaries for work hours.
- Signpost available support services, such as mental health first aiders, GPs or external organisations like Mind and Samaritans.
- Provide confidential avenues for support, such as EAPs or mental health insurance schemes that facilitate private counselling.
- Offer training for managers and employees on recognising mental health issues, reducing stigma and encouraging open dialogue.
Breaking Down Barriers
With mental health challenges increasingly recognised as significant barriers to workplace productivity and overall wellbeing, the study underscores the urgent need for employers to step up support specifically tailored to men’s needs.
The evidence is clear that addressing mental health openly and proactively within workplaces is not just beneficial for the individuals concerned but essential for creating healthier, more productive environments for everyone.