Silent Struggles: Men's Mental Health at Work

As International Men’s Health Week approaches, it is essential to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of men’s mental health in the workplace, particularly concerning burnout. While burnout affects individuals regardless of gender, societal expectations and stereotypes can make it more challenging for men to recognise and address their mental wellbeing.

Why the stigma around burnout for men?

The stigma surrounding burnout and men’s mental health is rooted in societal expectations of traditional gender roles. Men are conditioned to hide struggles and seeking support is seen as a sign of weakness. Limited education, a focus on women’s mental health, fear of professional consequences, and lack of access to support perpetuate the stigma. To break it, we must challenge gender norms, raise awareness, and create supportive environments for men to prioritise their wellbeing and seek help.

Here are our top tips to prevent burnout:

Lead by Example: As leaders, led by example and prioritise your own mental health. Encourage open conversations about your experiences with stress and burnout, demonstrating that seeking help and practicing self-care are signs of strength, not weakness. By embodying healthy habits, you can inspire others to do the same.

Promote Work / Life Balance: Encourage employees to establish a healthy work life balance with realistic expectations and boundaries. Emphasize regular breaks, time off, and discourage the “always-on” mentality. By valuing personal time and wellbeing, employees can replenish energy, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.

Physical Activity: Promote regular exercise for men’s mental wellbeing. Encourage activities like gym workouts, sports participation, or active breaks during the workday. Physical activity reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances resilience against burnout.

Support Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Promote mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga for stress management and mental resilience. Encourage relaxation techniques during breaks and provide access to mindfulness apps or programs for employees’ wellbeing.

Foster Social Connection: Encourage team-building activities, lunch gatherings, or employee groups for men’s mental health. Building social relationships helps reduce isolation and fosters a sense of belonging.

By adopting and implementing these healthy habits in daily life, men can effectively manage stress, prevent burnout, and prioritise their overall wellbeing. Remember, seeking help and support is a sign of strength, and taking proactive steps towards self-care is essential for maintaining long-term mental health and avoiding burnout.