Time for your MOT this Mens Health Week 2022?
Between the 13th-19th June, The Recruitment Crowd are acknowledging Men’s Health Week 2022. The reason behind such a nationally recognised event is to raise awareness of preventable health problems that affect such a large proportion of men and to give them the strength to tackle their issues by showing them they really are not alone with how they feel.
Approximately 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem such as anxiety, stress, or depression. Latest statistics show that in the UK, 3 in 4 suicides are men. Additionally, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45.
Previous years have seen the focus of Men’s Health Week surrounding COVID-19 and the impact that the virus and lockdown has had on physical and mental wellbeing. This year’s theme includes ‘Time For Your MOT’ – focussing on what’s going on in the mind and body and all health issues that often tend to be brushed off and put to the side.
So, what can employers do to support the health of employees, particularly men, in the workplace?
Provide information covering men’s mental health issues and the range of support available. It’s always worthwhile to share the employee benefits that you offer and ensure people know how to access them.
Help break the stigma around speaking out about mental health issues. Men are a lot less likely than women to speak about how they’re feeling and are at a much larger risk of suicide. Constantly speaking about men’s mental health can be a valuable way to support employees. National awareness campaigns such as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week and Movember are a great way for employers to cover such important topics and to demonstrate that men’s mental health issues matter and create a feeling of community and support in the workplace.
Get your people moving. If your employees are mainly desk based, it can result in poor physical or mental health. Encouraging physical movement and being active during working hours. Or team building activities out of hours are a great start to encourage your employees to move and be active.
Train and educate line managers on the conditions, signs, and symptoms of various health issues and the potential impact of physical and mental health conditions that men face. This will enable them to have supportive conversations and ensure men can raise and discuss their symptoms/concerns in confidence with those who have knowledge.
At The Recruitment Crowd, we pride ourselves on being a place of work that employees can be themselves and are fully supported through both work related and personal issues. We can all do our part to encourage the men we know and love to take care of themselves and do what we can to support them.