Men’s Health Awareness

I imagine many of you reading this article can’t quite believe it’s December already. I had a similar experience earlier this month, when Number One Son walked in displaying a moustache that Tom Selleck would have been proud of (early 80’s reference for fans of Magnum PI!). 

The reason for my surprise was not the arrival of facial hair on said-son’s face – it has been there for some time, all be it in a less-coiffured state. It was more that I had not realised it was ‘Movember-time’. Normally the arrival of this men’s health campaign is accompanied by a procession of a myriad of facial manifestations.  Whether it’s loved ones, friends, work colleagues or the milkman – moustache-marvels are usually evident everywhere!

So as I prepared to write this article on men’s health, it got me wondering – had I missed the campaign or could it be that men’s health is no longer an issue of interest?  Certainly, the evidence on men’s health is more compelling than ever and the statistics make for a sobering read.  A recent report by the Movember Institute of Men’s Health reported that a boy born in 2021 can expect to live 4 years less than a girl; 39% of UK men die prematurely before they are 75 years old; and suicide remains the leading cause of death among men aged 20-34 years, with the suicide rate was three times higher for men than for women. So the evidence suggest men’s health is most definitely still a matter for concern.

Support for men’s health

To reassure you, the ‘Movember’ campaign is as alive as ever and continues its work on raising awareness of men’s health as evidenced, not only by its annual Movember campaign, but also by its recent report mentioned above.  Other organisations focussing on men’s health include: MANUP?, Men’s Health Forum and Andy’s Man Club.  The increasing importance the work of such organisations was evidenced this year when the founder of Andy’s Man Club, Luke Ambler, was awarded the University of Bradford’s Outstanding Contribution Award recognising his work in raising awareness and support for men’s mental health.

What can employers do?

Given many of us spend a large proportion of our time working, it is logical that we look to our workplaces to continue that focus on men’s health.  Not only from a moral point of view, but it surely makes good business sense to promote the wellbeing of all sectors of the workforce.  Here are some ways you can provide that support men’s health:

• Increase Awareness: If part of the issue is that men simply aren’t aware of possible health risks, run campaigns that seek to educate about men’s health issues, including the importance of early detection and mental health support.
• Encourage Open Conversations: Create a safe space, such as a men’s forum, that encourages open discussions about health and well-being and support.
• Support public initiatives: publicise and support campaigns such as Movember, Men’s Health week (annually in June), and Men’s Health Awareness month (annually in November) and encourage employees to participate.
• Mental Health Support: signpost employees to any confidential counselling services, helplines, and resources for employees struggling with mental health concerns, whether that’s through a company funded Employee Assistance Programme or via external organisations.
• Maintain a focus on health and wellbeing: Promote regular health check-ups, encourage employees to stay physically active and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
• Men’s Health Champion: consider having a men’s health champion that employees can talk to and who can signpost them to support.
• Lead by Example: Encourage senior management to set an example by taking care of their own health and well-being, demonstrating that it’s not a sign of weakness to seek support when needed.

Conclusion

Men’s health remains an important issue and continues to be highlighted and supported by many campaigns and charities.  Rather like the previously taboo subject of menopause, which is now a more accepted topic both outside and within the workplace, it seems that men’s health is also becoming a more normalised subject of conversation. Whilst Number One Son was very happy to see the end of ‘Movember’ – the attraction of being mostly clean-shaven had most definitely waned by the end of week one – for workplaces and society alike, the focus on prioritising men’s health must continue.  Integrating year-round initiatives with key campaigns such as ‘Movember’ can be a solution.  Ensuring those initiatives have real meaning and senior-level sponsorship will be key to delivering a genuine commitment to improving men’s health at work and ultimately in wider society.

If you would like our support on developing key initiatives on men’s health or more general staff wellbeing concerns, please contact Sue Meehan Boyes in our team on 07384 468797.