Did you know it’s International Men’s Day on November 19th? We’re taking it as an opportunity to think deeply about how we can support the men we work with, and we think you should join us! This is the time for your company to shine a light on men’s mental health, well-being, and contributions to the workplace. It’s also a reminder that many men do face challenges at work, and find it hard to talk openly about their stress or mental health struggles. There is no better time than the present to remind your male colleagues that you notice, you care, and you want to help.
By showing support for the men in your workplace, you can help build a more positive, balanced workplace where everyone feels truly valued. Even seemingly tiny gestures can boost morale and make a real difference to day to day.
And that’s why we’re here! To make your celebration of International Men’s Day a little bit easier. Read on to discover five simple ways to support the men in your workplace in November and beyond. These ideas are simple to put into practice and make creating a supportive environment simple.
But First, Why Does Workplace Support for Men Matter?
Supporting men’s mental health in the workplace isn’t just nice to have—it’s actually an essential component of every high functioning and successful business. Ciphr recently released their study on stress levels in 2024, in which they revealed that 80% of men deal with stress at least once a month. That means 80% of men are at a real risk of burning out monthly.
In fact, men are significantly less likely than women to talk about their mental health or ask for support when they need it. This can lead to feelings of loneliness amongst other things. A study by Kings College London has shown that isolation can lead to an uptake in unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption. This combined with lack of sleep and a more isolated technical world, it’s no surprise that some men can feel stuck and unable to make positive change in their lives.
But it isn’t all bad news. People spend about ⅓ of their life at work so creating a workplace that actively supports men’s well-being can make a huge difference. When your male employees feel supported, valued, and able to ask for help, it creates a healthier, more balanced culture for your entire team. This positive environment boosts morale and helps foster stronger, more connected teams—something that every organisation can benefit from. And here’s how:
Promote Open Conversations Around Mental Health
Many men find it difficult to speak openly about mental health, especially in the workplace where they might feel pressure to keep things professional and surface level. A supportive, open environment can make a world of difference, encouraging men to feel safe sharing their experiences without judgement.
Leaders and managers can help to normalise these sorts of conversations — whether through regular check-ins, mental health workshops, or by openly sharing mental health resources.
By signalling that it’s okay to talk about mental health, businesses can make it easier for their men to reach out when they need support. Adding a personal touch, like offering wellness gifts, proves that your company does genuinely care about their well-being.
Recognise Men’s Contributions and Milestones
Celebrating achievements and milestones can have a big impact on how valued men feel at work. Employee recognition —whether it’s a job well done, a work anniversary, or a personal achievement—helps reinforce their connection to your team and to your organisation’s wider goals.
Small but meaningful gestures, like a personal note of thanks, a shout-out in a team meeting, or even a thoughtfully chosen recognition gift, can go a long way in making employees feel appreciated. A custom healthy snack box or a unique drink gift can turn these moments into memorable experiences, making men feel seen and valued.
Support Flexible Work Arrangements
Work-life balance is key to keeping stress levels under control, and many men in the workplace juggle lots of responsibilities outside of work that still demand their time and attention. Be understanding of this in meaningful ways, such as offering flexible work options, remote work days or flexible hours, and giving employees more control over their schedules.
This flexibility can contribute to an increased productivity within your workplace, reduced burnout, and even higher job satisfaction. For remote teams, sending gifts can help maintain a sense of connection and reminds men that the company appreciates their hard work, even if they aren’t physically present in the office.
Encourage Work-Life Balance
A healthy work-life balance helps to prevent burnout and shows employees that their well-being is actually important to your organisation. Why not start encouraging team members to take regular breaks, enjoy their time off, and unplug after work hours? By actively supporting these boundaries, you can create a culture where rest and relaxation are respected. Reminders like self-care hampers or wellness gifts allow men to recharge, revitalise, and return to work with sharper focus.
Promote Allyship and Positive Role Models
Start fostering allyship and providing positive role models who advocate for balance, mental well-being, and personal growth. Mentorship programs, whether formal or informal, give men access to guidance and support. They can be particularly helpful for men at the beginning of their careers, as they look towards someone to shape their expectations and priorities. Why not incorporate it into your onboarding process? This will show new employees that your company prioritise well-being, and inspire their teams to build healthier work habits and set personal goals. Team bonding activities or virtual events with a wellness theme, paired with thoughtful gifts, boost this sense of community, reminding your men that they have allies and advocates within your organisation.
Bringing Lasting Support to the Men in Your Workplace
This International Men’s Day, consider putting these strategies into action. These small steps can make a big difference in helping men feel valued, appreciated, and supported, ultimately creating a healthier and more connected workplace culture.
Even better, carry them forward as year-round practices to build a more inclusive and engaged team. Check out our very own International Men’s Day Gift here, and go the extra mile for the men you work with.
