Expert's Guide to Supporting Men's Mental Health During Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) presents a crucial opportunity for businesses to address sensitive yet pressing issues like men's mental health and suicide prevention. Despite increasing awareness, societal pressures often discourage men from discussing mental health struggles, which can lead to devastating consequences. This guide equips business and HR leaders with clear strategies, actionable steps, and real-world examples to foster a supportive workplace culture during MHAW and beyond.

Why Men's Mental Health Deserves Attention

Statistics paint an alarming picture, with men making up a significant proportion of global suicide cases. Many men internalise challenges, feeling the burden of societal expectations to stay stoic or "man up." When we ignore these silent struggles, we risk losing valuable talent, creating disconnected teams, and perpetuating harmful workplace cultures.

Addressing men's mental health in the workplace isn't just an ethical imperative; it's an opportunity to build resilient, engaged, and productive teams. By leveraging initiatives such as Tough To Talk and implementing strategies tailored to male employees, organisations can take meaningful steps toward positive change.

Actionable Steps for Business and HR Leaders

Here's how leaders can create lasting impact during MHAW, with a special focus on men's mental health:

1. Normalise Conversations Through Awareness Campaigns

Use MHAW as a platform to highlight men's mental health issues. Craft campaigns showcasing statistics, stories, and resources to destigmatise seeking help. For example, partner with initiatives like Tough To Talk, which specialises in reshaping men's mental health journeys. Sharing personal stories from colleagues or leaders (with consent) can spark authentic, organisation-wide conversations.

Action Tip: Set up a series of short, targeted, action-oriented emails or posters featuring messages like "It's only OK to Not Be OK, if you're doing something about it" or quick mental health tips to encourage open dialogue.

2. Create Judgment-Free Spaces for Men to Share

Men often feel more comfortable discussing personal struggles in environments they perceive as comfortable. Consider hosting men-focused peer support groups or open sessions led by trained facilitators and hosted by leaders from your organisation. These initiatives foster trust and break down barriers.

Example: Run a weekly "Tough To Talk Circle," inviting employees to share their challenges in an informal setting like a breakout room or off-site meeting.

3. Train Managers to Identify Mental Health Warning Signs

Managers and business leaders are often the first line of defence when employees experience challenges. However, mental health struggles can present differently in men, often manifesting as withdrawal, irritability, or excessive workload behaviours.

Action Tip: Equip line managers and role models with training programs that cover how to spot early signs of mental distress, approach conversations with empathy, and escalate concerns confidentially.

4. Collaborate with Expert Organisations

External organisations provide valuable expertise and resources tailored to specific needs. Collaborating with groups like Tough To Talk enhances your ability to address men's mental health effectively. They can supply workshops, tools, and outreach campaigns to resonate deeply with male staff.

Example: Facilitate company-wide access to Tough To Talk's resources, such as online toolkits, hotline numbers, or app subscriptions. Consider inviting a representative to host a workshop or webinar during MHAW.

5. Promote Positive Work-Life Balance

Men may hesitate to take time off or prioritise self-care, viewing these actions as a sign of weakness. Leaders can help shift this mindset by modelling and normalising healthy habits like mental health breaks, time off, or flexible schedules.

Action Tip: Encourage managers to publicly share their own well-being practices, such as taking mental health days, regular breaks, or stepping back from meeting schedules during MHAW.

6. Measure Progress and Sustain Efforts

While MHAW focuses on awareness and energy, culture change requires year-round commitment. After introducing activities during MHAW, set benchmarks to track participation, feedback, and outcomes, ensuring momentum continues through sustained efforts.

Example: Led by role models, run quarterly pulse surveys or schedule regular check-ins to evaluate the program's effectiveness and adjust as necessary to support ongoing engagement.

The Ripple Effect of Supportive Actions

Addressing men's mental health benefits extends beyond the individual. Employees who feel supported become more engaged, perform better, and foster richer professional relationships. Organisations championing mental health develop stronger employer brands, attracting and retaining top talent.

Get Started

This Mental Health Awareness Week, you can create meaningful change. Your impact could save lives, whether through a single conversation or an organisation-wide initiative. Take inspiration from programs like Tough To Talk, reflect on how they align with your culture, and start small but act boldly.

Every action you take helps dismantle mental health stigma and makes your workplace a safe, supportive environment for all. Remember, no one should ever feel "too tough to talk."

How will you make a difference during MHAW?