Why men’s mental health at work matters
Talking about men’s mental health in the workplace can feel uncomfortable, even threatening — for men and for those around them. There’s often a silence around male suffering, fuelled by outdated norms that expect men to be tough, emotionless, and self-reliant.
There’s also an assumption that men already hold all the power and privilege, so attention should focus elsewhere. But under the surface, many boys and men are struggling — and workplaces feel the impact.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, and 75% of suicides are men.
Boys are falling behind in education in almost every subject — 58% of graduates are female.
Men are less likely to seek therapy or medical support.
Rates of loneliness, addiction, and burnout are significantly higher amongst men.
Male friendship often lacks emotional depth: many men say they have no one they can fully open up to, and 20% report having no close friends.
It doesn’t have to be this way. With the right support, men can thrive at work and beyond.
Where do our ideas about masculinity come from?
Our sense of what it means to “be a man” is shaped by multiple influences:
Cultural messages — “Man up”, “Don’t cry”, “Be the provider”.
Childhood experiences — especially how emotions were modelled at home.
Media — reinforcing toughness, dominance, financial success.
Biology — testosterone may influence competitiveness and risk-taking, but biology is not destiny.
The result? Many men feel trapped in the “Man Box” — a narrow definition of masculinity that restricts their full humanity and impacts their mental health.
Inside the Man Box: Masculinity and mental health
Key masculine stereotypes often include:
Be self-sufficient
Act tough
Provide financially, while women handle the home
It’s unmanly to show vulnerability or appear “weak”
Sleeping with many women proves masculinity
Men should be in control, even aggressive or violent if necessary
These expectations often drive unhealthy outcomes in the workplace and beyond:
Emotional suppression → anxiety, depression, aggression
Burnout → overworking to prove worth
Shame and inadequacy → constant fear of being “not man enough”
Struggles with communication and intimacy
How to support men’s mental health at work
Breaking out of the Man Box requires awareness and courage. Employers can play a vital role. Key strategies include:
Courageously naming shame — Shame thrives in silence. Creating safe spaces for men to talk about fears, struggles, and self-doubt begins to dissolve its grip.
Encouraging peer support — Vulnerable male connection is powerful. Men’s groups and wellbeing circles allow honest sharing without judgement.
Access to professional support — Therapy and coaching can provide transformative relief and resilience.
Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness training — These practices reconnect men with their emotions, building emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Workplace culture audits — Assess how masculine norms show up in your organisation and how they might be harming inclusion, wellbeing, or leadership.
Role-modelling vulnerable leadership — When male leaders show emotion, ask for help, or talk about failure, it normalises openness for others.
Educating the workforce — Training on masculinity and mental health helps teams understand how gender norms affect communication, inclusion, and performance.
What’s possible when men open up?
When men are supported to talk openly about mental health:
Friendships become deeper and more honest.
Resilience and overall wellbeing improve.
Romantic relationships become healthier.
Leadership grows more inclusive and emotionally intelligent.
Men feel a renewed sense of authenticity and self-worth.
Take action
Discover how my workplace workshop We Need to Talk About Men helps teams tackle silence, stigma and stress.
For personal support, take the first step today and book your free 1-to-1 coaching call.