Let’s hear it for the men
Posted on 18th November 2024 at 17:11
It's International Men's Day this week. Yes, to all those people who said on International Women's Day, 'What about the men?', we say 'Yes, there is one and it's on 19 November.
And as we are a healthcare company, with a focus on keeping our clients' employees healthy, happy and productive, we are naturally extremely interested in what we can do to support men's health at work.
Research consistently shows significant health disparities between men and women. Men tend to have shorter life expectancies and are more prone to certain health conditions. For instance, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and mental health issues like depression and suicide disproportionately affect men. These differences stem from a complex interplay of biological, social, and behavioural factors.
Men are less likely to seek help
In the workplace, these health disparities can manifest in various ways. Men are often less likely to seek preventive care or discuss health concerns openly. This reluctance can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, potentially impacting both individual well-being and workplace productivity.
HR professionals play a crucial role in creating a workplace environment that supports men's health. Companies can foster a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce if they address these needs
One key area for HR to focus on is mental health support. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, often due to societal expectations and stigma. Implementing mental health programmes that specifically target men can make a significant difference. This might include offering access to mental health support, promoting mental health awareness campaigns tailored to men, and training managers to recognise signs of mental health struggles in male employees.
Health assessments can identify physical health needs
Physical health is another critical aspect. Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviours and less likely to attend regular health check-ups. HR can address this by organising workplace health assessments, particularly for conditions that commonly affect men such as prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. We have specific health assessment options for men in our health assessments. Offering flexible working hours to accommodate medical appointments can also encourage men to prioritise their health.
Workplace stress is a significant contributor to many health issues, and men may experience and express stress differently from women. HR departments can implement stress management programmes that resonate with male employees. This could include physical activities, mindfulness sessions, or even male-specific support groups where men can discuss work-related stress in a comfortable environment.
Think about flexibility for work life balance
Another important consideration is work-life balance. While this is crucial for all employees, men may face unique challenges in this area. Traditional gender roles can sometimes make it difficult for men to prioritise family time or personal interests. HR can promote policies that support work-life balance for all employees, such as paternity leave, flexible working arrangements, and family-friendly policies.
You are what you eat
Nutrition and physical activity are also key areas where HR can make a difference. Men's nutritional needs differ from women's, and they may be more likely to engage in unhealthy eating habits at work. Providing healthy food options in the workplace and offering nutritional education tailored to men's needs can be beneficial. Similarly, promoting physical activity through workplace fitness challenges or subsidised gym memberships can appeal to male employees and improve overall heal
Age matters (it’s not just a number)
It's also worth noting that men's health needs change with age. HR should consider implementing age-specific health programmes that address issues like prostate health, testosterone levels, and age-related chronic conditions. This approach ensures that health support remains relevant throughout an employee's career.
It’s good to talk
Communication is key when it comes to men's health in the workplace. HR should strive to create an open dialogue about health issues, breaking down the barriers that often prevent men from discussing their health concerns. This might involve bringing in male health experts for talks, sharing men's health success stories, or creating male-specific health resources.
HR departments can create a workplace culture that truly supports men's health. This not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to a more productive and engaged workforce overall.
International Men’s Day
At Verve Healthcare, we're committed to supporting businesses in creating health-conscious workplaces that cater to the needs of all employees. We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach to workplace health is not effective, and that's why we advocate for targeted strategies that address the unique health challenges faced by different groups, including men.
As we approach International Men's Day, let's use this opportunity to reflect on how we can better support men's health in the workplace. Thoughtful, targeted strategies can create work environments where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive both personally and professionally. Investing in the overall success and sustainability of their organisation.
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