Why So Many Men Don’t Use Workplace Mental Health Support – and What Employers Can Do About It
- Stephen
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Workplace mental health awareness has come a long way. Most organisations now offer employee support programmes, mental health training, and flexible working options. But despite these developments, many male employees continue to suffer in silence.
The 2024 Deloitte report, Mental Health and Employers: The Case for Investment, found that 63% of workers had experienced symptoms of burnout, and 59% cited mental health as a key reason for leaving their job.
Yet men are still far less likely than women to use workplace wellbeing resources. This blog explores why - and what organisations can do to better support men’s mental health at work.
Why Male Employees Avoid Mental Health Support
1. Fear of Being Judged or Penalised
Men often fear being seen as weak, unreliable, or lacking resilience if they disclose stress, burnout, or mental health struggles. In a 2011 Populus poll for Mind, around 1 in 4 workers feared job loss, and 1 in 3 believed disclosure could affect promotion prospects. Nearly half expected negative comments from colleagues.
In male-dominated environments, this fear is often amplified.
2. Stigma in Male-Dominated and Safety-Critical Roles
In sectors like construction, emergency services, oil and gas, or the military, expressing mental health concerns can be seen as a risk to operational safety or team cohesion. A 2018 Lancaster University report on men’s mental health in the workplace highlights how these industries often carry an unspoken expectation to "tough it out."
3. Mental Health Support Doesn’t Always Feel Relevant
While Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and wellbeing resources are often available, they’re frequently underused. Research from the University of Oxford suggests that many existing interventions lack relevance to working conditions and fail to engage the employees they aim to help - especially men, who may prefer action-based, practical support.
The Business Case for Supporting Men’s Mental Health in the workplace
Beyond being the right thing to do, supporting men’s mental health at work makes business sense. Deloitte’s 2024 report found that for every £1 invested in mental health, organisations saw an average return of £4.70.
Businesses that prioritise male wellbeing benefit from:
Reduced turnover: Men I've recently spoken to in their 30s and 40s are leaving roles they’ve been committed to for years, citing lack of support as a key driver.
Higher engagement and productivity: When men feel mentally supported, they bring more energy, perspective, and innovation to their roles.
Stronger employer branding: In a competitive talent market, organisations known for employee wellbeing attract and retain high-performing staff.
What a Male-Friendly Mental Health Strategy Looks Like
1. Tailor Your Communication
Make mental health messaging relevant to men. Offer education on physical and mental health basics - like sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management - but also address topics that resonate more with men, such as:
Resilience under pressure
Burnout recovery
Substance use
Suicide awareness
Peer mentoring and leadership stress
2. Normalise Mental Health Conversations from the Top
Culture change begins with leadership. When senior leaders - particularly male leaders - speak openly about stress, setbacks, and seeking support, it sends a powerful signal throughout the organisation.
3. Equip Managers with Mental Health Literacy
Managers are often the first to notice changes in performance or behaviour. Providing training on how to spot signs of mental distress and respond supportively is one of the most practical steps an organisation can take.
4. Offer Flexible Working Policies That Support Men, Too
Flexible working is often framed around parenting or caregiving - but men also benefit. Support for new fathers, mental health days, or the ability to manage workload autonomously can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts: Time for a Rethink
Men’s mental health at work is not just a personal issue - it’s a cultural and organisational one. When we fail to create environments where men feel safe to speak up, the cost is high: burnout, loss of talent, reduced trust, and missed opportunities.
If your organisation is serious about performance, leadership, and long-term sustainability, it must also be serious about mental health - especially in how it supports its male employees.
Need Help Creating a Healthier Workplace Culture?
I work with organisations to design and deliver:
Mental health awareness talks tailored to your team and sector
Training workshops on burnout, suicide prevention, and emotional resilience
Confidential 1:1 support for employees who need time and space to process what they’re carrying
Whether you’re reviewing your wellbeing strategy or just starting the conversation, I can help you create a workplace culture where men feel supported - not just expected to cope.
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