Amid growing concern over global mental health trends, new data highlights a troubling disparity: men are significantly less likely than women to seek help when struggling with mental health issues. A rising number of experts believe that workplaces have a critical role to play in changing that reality.
Research by Dr. Rob Whitley, a psychiatry professor at McGill University, points to a global mental health crisis among men, who account for 70% of all suicide deaths worldwide. Despite these alarming figures, men are often reluctant to seek help, deterred by cultural norms that equate emotional vulnerability with weakness.
Workplace Stress Hits Men Harder
According to a study by UK mental health charity Mind, work-related stress is a major contributor to poor mental health among men. One-third of male respondents identified work as the main factor harming their mental well-being—twice the rate reported by women. A 2019 survey by CV Library found that 61% of men had considered quitting their jobs due to mental health struggles, compared to 48.5% of women.
The psychological toll is particularly high among business leaders. A study published in Small Business Economics found that CEOs and entrepreneurs face heightened mental health risks, driven by the pressures of high performance and public scrutiny.
Why Men Stay Silent
A UK survey conducted by the Priory Group found that 40% of men have never discussed their mental health with friends, family, or professionals. Among those who stayed silent, the most common reasons were a belief in self-reliance, fear of being a burden, and embarrassment.
Experts say these findings point to a path forward—but only if workplaces are willing to challenge conventional thinking and create environments where men feel safe to speak up.
Here Are Five Practical Steps Companies Can Take:
1. Normalize the Conversation
The first step in reducing stigma is to make conversations about mental health routine. A 2017 independent review of workplace mental health by Lord Dennis Stevenson and Paul Farmer suggested that everyone experiences fluctuations in mental well-being—from thriving to struggling, and sometimes becoming unwell.
Acknowledging that even high-functioning employees and leaders can face mental health issues can help reduce the pressure many men feel about seeking help. Regular messaging through internal newsletters, informal training, or peer-led group discussions can foster a workplace culture where mental health is treated as a shared human experience.
2. Rethink the Language
Language matters. Studies show that the term “mental health” can feel alienating or stigmatizing to some men. Instead, using more relatable terms such as “stress” or “burnout” can open the door to meaningful dialogue.
Men are more likely to engage with conversations that frame challenges in terms of performance, productivity, or fatigue. Asking targeted questions—like “What’s affecting your work lately?”—is often more effective than broad inquiries like “How are you?”
3. Promote Lifestyle-Based Solutions
Workplace interventions shouldn’t isolate men or frame mental health as a personal failing. Instead, companies should embed well-being into lifestyle-focused initiatives. Activities that emphasize camaraderie, teamwork, and physical fitness can be especially impactful.
Organizing group exercise sessions, wellness outings, or friendly sports tournaments can support mental well-being in a socially inclusive way. Mind’s Get It Off Your Chest campaign found that men are more inclined to address mental health through physical activity than talk therapy.
4. Offer Confidential Online Therapy
Men are more likely to seek professional help if they can do so privately. Digital mental health platforms offering confidential or anonymous therapy can lower barriers to care and ensure that concerns are addressed without fear of professional repercussions.
Such options also empower employees to access support at their own pace, with less concern about stigma or job security.
5. Lead by Example
Male leaders can play a vital role in reshaping workplace culture. When executives speak openly about their own experiences with mental health, it sends a powerful message that seeking help is not a weakness but a strength.
CEOs and entrepreneurs can partner with one another to share stories, set expectations for mental wellness, and create an organizational tone that values vulnerability as part of leadership.
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