Addressing men’s mental health at work during men’s Mental Health Week 2025 

Men’s Mental Health Week (9–15 June 2025) offers a meaningful opportunity to talk about mental health in the workplace, particularly the unique challenges that men face. 

For many men, talking about mental health remains a stigma. Societal pressures and outdated expectations around masculinity often mean that men are less likely to open up, ask for help, or access support when they need it most. That’s why this week matters, and why every workplace should treat it as more than just a calendar event. 

Understanding mental health vs wellbeing 

Let’s start with the basics. Mental health and wellbeing are often used interchangeably but aren’t quite the same thing: 

• Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social state. It influences how we think, feel, and behave. 
• Wellbeing is broader, it encompasses how satisfied, purposeful, and resilient we feel in our day-to-day lives. 

It’s possible to experience mental health challenges while still feeling fulfilled at work, and vice versa. Recognising that both are fluid and deeply personal is key, especially in male-dominated environments where vulnerability can be misunderstood as weakness. 

Common work-related pressures for men 

The workplace can have a major impact on men’s mental health. Some of the key factors that contribute to poor mental wellbeing include: 

• Long hours, unrealistic workloads, and burnout 
• Lack of support or understanding from line managers 
• Little flexibility to balance home and work responsibilities 
• A reluctance to speak up due to stigma or fear of judgement 
• Pressure to perform without showing vulnerability 

And while these issues can affect everyone, many men are less likely to recognise or voice their concerns. That’s why it’s crucial for employers to lead the conversation, model openness, and make support easily accessible and visible. 

Practical steps to support men’s mental health at work 

Whether you’re a manager, HR lead or team member, there are tangible things you can do during Men’s Mental Health Week, and beyond, to create a healthier, more supportive culture: 

1. Raise awareness: Use internal comms channels to share facts, stories, and resources about men’s mental health. Invite male colleagues to share personal experiences (voluntarily), or promote relevant blogs, videos or case studies. 
2. Encourage conversations: Create space for open dialogue, whether through informal check-ins, team discussions, or ‘wellbeing cafes’. Line managers should check in proactively and take note of signs of stress or withdrawal. 
3. Reframe what “being ok” looks like: Challenge outdated ideas of masculinity. Show that asking for help, taking a break, or saying “I’m not doing great” is a sign of strength, not weakness. 
4. Make support easy to access: Ensure men know how to access your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), wellbeing apps, or counselling services. Provide links, posters, or team briefings to raise visibility. 
5. Tackle the causes: Where possible, address systemic issues such as excessive workloads, poor work-life balance, or lack of flexibility. A healthier culture reduces pressure on everyone, not just the individual. 

Leading by example 

Leaders and managers set the tone. Sharing personal experiences of stress, burnout, or seeking help can create psychological safety and normalise mental health conversations. This is especially powerful when male leaders model vulnerability and self-care. 

You can also use tools like wellbeing surveys or anonymous feedback to understand how supported men in your organisation feel, and what they need more of. 

How SafeHR can help 

At SafeHR, we work with businesses to improve employee wellbeing through clear policies, practical support and expert guidance. During Men’s Mental Health Week 2025, we can help you: 

• Run stress risk assessments 
• Create or update mental health and wellbeing policies 
• Launch awareness campaigns 
• Train managers and mental health first aiders 
• Promote EAPs and signposting to support 
• Use data-driven insights to tailor your approach 

By investing in mental health now, you can build a more resilient, engaged and supportive team in the long term. 

Start the conversation this week 

Men’s Mental Health Week is more than just a moment on the calendar, it’s a chance to challenge stigma, create safer workplaces, and show your employees they’re not alone. 

Let’s make men’s mental health something we talk about, openly, honestly, and often.