Closing the Empathy Gap in Men’s Health: How HR Independents Can Support Health and Wellbeing

 

Men’s Health Week and Men’s Health Month both aim to raise awareness about men’s health issues, but they serve distinct purposes. In 2025, Men’s Health Week will focus on a strategic approach to improving men’s health, with the theme: “We Need a Men’s Health Strategy.” This theme encourages the creation of a strategic approach that addresses the specific health needs of men in both the workplace and wider society.

Men’s Health Month, on the other hand, focuses on “Closing the Empathy Gap in Men’s Health,” aiming to promote understanding and empathy towards men’s health challenges. Although both initiatives are distinct, they complement each other, with Men’s Health Month calling for empathy and Men’s Health Week calling for strategic action—something that can be tackled directly by HR professionals in the workplace.

As HR professionals and independent consultants, we are in a unique position to not only raise awareness but also implement a strategic approach to men’s health in the workplace. By addressing physical health issues, promoting mental health support, and building a more empathetic environment, we can take the lead in creating a workplace that truly supports men’s health.

 

Why Men’s Health Week and Month Matters

Men’s health often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. On average, men are less likely to visit a doctor regularly or seek medical help when needed. A 2024 NHS survey revealed that 48% of men felt pressure to “tough it out” when it came to potential health issues, and 33% felt talking about potential health concerns might make others see them as weak. This can lead to undiagnosed conditions, delayed treatments, and, in some cases, preventable deaths. The theme for this year’s Men’s Health Month, “Closing the Empathy Gap in Men’s Health,” is all about encouraging understanding and compassion, both within healthcare systems and across society.

While physical health concerns like heart disease and prostate cancer are commonly known, it’s often the mental health issues that go unnoticed. Around 1 in 8 men will experience a mental health problem, yet they are less likely to seek help than women. The stigma surrounding mental health issues is especially strong among men, who may feel societal pressure to appear “tough” or to “push through” problems without seeking help.

But the reality is, many men suffer in silence, and it’s time for that to change. By promoting open conversations, we can help close the gap and give men the support they need to thrive.

 

Common Health Issues Men Face and How to Address Them

 

Physical Health Challenges

Heart disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer are just a few of the health issues that disproportionately affect men. In fact, according to the NHS, men are more likely to develop heart disease earlier in life than women, with heart disease being the leading cause of death in men worldwide (World Health Organisation, 2021). The good news is that many of these conditions are preventable or manageable with lifestyle changes and early detection.

Actionable Steps:

• Encourage Regular Health Check-ups: Encourage men to take regular check-ups seriously. Prostate cancer, for instance, is more treatable when caught early. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime (Prostate Cancer UK, 2023).
• Promote Active Lifestyles: Physical activity is essential in managing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. According to the NHS, physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 35%. Encourage movement during the workday, whether it’s a walk during lunch or standing meetings.
• Eat Well and Stay Hydrated: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases. The NHS recommends at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day to maintain optimal health.

 

Mental Health Struggles

One of the most significant barriers to men’s health is mental health. Men are more likely to experience mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, but less likely to talk about them. This leads to higher rates of suicide among men, especially in certain age groups. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and it is the leading cause of death for men aged 20 to 34 (ONS 2023).

It’s essential to help men open up about their feelings, seek therapy when needed, and feel supported by their peers and families. But it also means normalising these conversations in the workplace and in social settings.

Actionable Steps:

• Create Safe Spaces: As HR professionals, we can help establish safe, open spaces in the workplace where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health without judgment.
• Lead by Example: Encourage leaders and managers to talk openly about mental health challenges. This sets a tone of openness and support within the workplace.
• Mental Health Resources: Offer access to mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), counselling, or support groups. Make sure these are visible and accessible.

 

Workplace Stress

Men, especially those in high-pressure roles, are prone to stress and burnout. While we may hear more about burnout in female-dominated sectors, stress in male-dominated industries can also have significant impacts on physical and mental health. Long hours, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of work-life balance can lead to burnout, affecting men’s physical health, relationships, and well-being.

Actionable Steps:

• Encourage Breaks and Downtime: Remind employees of the importance of taking regular breaks to recharge. Help create a work environment where downtime is respected and normalised.
• Support Flexibility: Encourage flexible work arrangements that help reduce stress and improve work-life balance. This could include remote work options, flexible hours, or additional mental health days.
• Promote Empathetic Leadership: Train managers to spot the signs of stress in employees and create a supportive leadership culture. Men may be less likely to ask for help, so a proactive approach can make a huge difference.

 

How to Start the Conversation About Men’s Health

One of the most effective ways to close the empathy gap in men’s health is to start the conversation. Here are some ways you can encourage open, stigma-free discussions about men’s health in your workplace and personal life:

1. Initiate Casual Conversations

If you’re an HR consultant or leader, you can begin by incorporating discussions about health and well-being into team meetings, check-ins, or one-on-ones. It doesn’t have to be forced or overly formal—just starting the conversation can create a space for others to share their concerns.

2. Provide Resources

Make sure men in your workplace have easy access to health resources, whether they’re related to physical or mental health. This could include posters about mental health awareness or wellness programs that encourage both men and women to take their health seriously.

3. Use “Health Days” as a Launchpad

Host events around Men’s Health Month that focus on health education. Offer seminars, workshops, or webinars on topics like stress management, the importance of check-ups, and self-care. Make these resources accessible to all employees, not just men.

4. Normalise Mental Health Conversations

Encourage conversations about mental health and well-being as part of your company’s culture. One way to normalise these conversations is to integrate wellness check-ins into team meetings or monthly newsletters. Acknowledging mental health struggles and offering resources can go a long way.

 

How HR Professionals Can Create an Empathetic Workplace

As HR professionals, we have a responsibility to cultivate a supportive and understanding environment for all employees, including men. There are several ways we can help close the empathy gap in men’s health within the workplace:

1. Promote Inclusivity and Well-Being Programs

Offer inclusive well-being programs that address both mental and physical health. Ensure that men feel encouraged to participate and that they know resources are available for them. This could include fitness challenges, meditation apps, or mental health support groups.

2. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is essential for good health. Encouraging men to take time for themselves outside of work not only improves their well-being but also enhances productivity and satisfaction.

3. Raise Awareness Through Training

Ensure managers are trained to identify signs of stress and burnout in men and encourage an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength. Providing training on mental health first aid, stress management, and emotional intelligence can be an excellent way to ensure managers can better support their team.

 

Conclusion: Men’s Health Starts with Empathy

Men’s Health Month is a time to reflect on how we can create a more supportive, empathetic environment for men, both inside and outside the workplace. By starting the conversation, normalising mental health discussions, and taking proactive steps to address health issues, we can help men lead longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

As HR professionals, we play a crucial role in this. Let’s use this month to commit to closing the empathy gap and supporting men in all aspects of their health. Whether through workplace wellness programs, health education, or simply being more aware of the unique challenges men face, we can make a significant difference in improving men’s health for the future.

 

Author: Mary Asante, HRi

 

---

Sources:
NHS, 2024 – “48% of men felt pressure to ‘tough it out’ when it came to potential health issues” (NHS, 2024)
Mental Health Foundation, 2022 – “Around 1 in 8 men will experience a mental health problem” (Mental Health Foundation)
World Health Organisation, 2021 – “Heart disease being the leading cause of death in men worldwide” (WHO, 2021)
Prostate Cancer UK, 2023 – “1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime” (Prostate Cancer UK, 2023)
ONS, 2023 – “Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women” (ONS, 2023)