Employers must step up support for men’s health after new data shows workplace provision is still lagging behind need, according to Howden Employee Benefits.
Its call comes as England’s first Men’s Health Strategy sets out the scale of the challenge with men dying 4.5 years earlier on average and making up 75% of UK suicides. Government plans include £3.6m for suicide prevention projects targeting middle-aged men, expanded mental health teams in schools and partnerships such as the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative with Samaritans.
The strategy also pledges improvements to prostate cancer pathways and action on smoking, alcohol misuse, gambling and substance use. But with Brightmine reporting that only 12% of HR professionals feel their organisation is doing enough to support men’s health compared to 62% for menopause, Howden says employers must now match national ambition with meaningful workplace action.
Howden says employers can strengthen men’s health by taking a practical, data-led approach that identifies specific needs, offers accessible health checks, and boosts education on key physical and mental health issues. It adds that supporting men to address high-risk behaviours, fostering a culture that normalises mental wellbeing, using clear, relatable communication, and tapping into national campaigns can all drive engagement, with ongoing monitoring essential to delivering long-term impact.
Howden UK wellbeing leader Emma Capper says: “The Government’s Men’s Health Strategy is a vital step forward, particularly its focus on suicide prevention and breaking the stigma around discussing mental health that stops many men seeking help. But workplaces can also play a role.
At Howden, we see first-hand that tailored, confidential support can make a real difference. RedArc, our nurse-led health and wellbeing service, recently highlighted this challenge by stating that just 41% of mental health support requests come from men, even though they face similar health needs to women. By embedding male-friendly initiatives, offering practical tools and education, and addressing high-risk behaviours, employers can help men seek support earlier, stay well, and reduce long-term health risks.”
Capper added: “For businesses looking to improve support for men in their workplace, we’ve published a men’s mental health guide to help them. Our experienced consultants offer companies a free benefits review and can tailor benefits for specific workplaces, to ensure people have everything they need to face life’s challenges and perform well.
“And finally, we recommend businesses check that their mental health strategy is inclusive, with a particular focus on male mental health. If not, our consultants can help implement a strategy that supports the entire workforce, not just those more likely to ask for help.”
