6 Ways for Men to Break the Stigma of Mental Health in the Workplace

Thankfully, conversations around mental health have become a lot more mainstream in recent years, however, there's still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to supporting, equipping and empowering more men to join in these conversations. Data tells us that 77% of men have experienced symptoms of anxiety, stress, or depression, yet 40% have never spoken to anyone about it. This silence can often be traced to shame, embarrassment or societal stigma around men's vulnerability. It can also be linked to men not having received the tools or models for healthy coping mechanisms to process and understand their emotions in years past. From an early age, boys are often expected to be strong, stoic, and self-sufficient, making it difficult for them as adults to acknowledge their struggles and ask for help.

In the workplace, where many pressures occur, it's important for men to address their mental health openly and confidently. In this article, we explore some practical steps men can take at work.

Breaking the Silence: Practical Steps Men Can Take at Work

Men’s mental health in the workplace is a significant issue in the UK. On average, 191,000 men report stress, depression, or anxiety caused by or made worse by work each year. To add to this, 1 in 3 men (32%) attribute poor mental health to their job. Given the gravity of these statistics, it’s clear that men are still in need of practical steps to begin addressing their mental health in the workplace.

For men, male managers and leaders in the workplace, below are several ways to start (or continue) breaking the stigma…

1. Acknowledge Mental Health as a Priority

The first step to speaking freely about mental health is acknowledging its importance. Just as physical health is essential for success in life and work, so is mental wellbeing. Men need to remind themselves and others that experiencing stress or anxiety is a normal part of life – part and parcel of being human - and not a sign of weakness.

2. Create Safe Spaces for Conversation

One reason many men avoid talking about their mental health is the fear of judgment. Another is that they fear work isn’t the appropriate place to raise this topic. Creating a culture where mental health is regularly discussed can help normalise these conversations. Many organisations now have peer support groups, designate mental health ambassadors, or schedule regular check-ins with colleagues, which can help employees feel more comfortable discussing their concerns.

3. Lead by Example

Men in leadership positions have a unique opportunity to set the tone and model positive mental health behaviour. When male leaders talk openly about their mental health struggles or simply acknowledge mental health, they give others permission to do the same. By being transparent about how they handle stress, anxiety, or burnout, leaders can encourage a culture of openness. This not only humanises them but also reduces the stigma for others who may be struggling in silence.

4. Utilise Available Resources

Many workplaces offer mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), mental health days, or access to coaching, counselling and/or therapy. However, these resources often go unused because employees feel uncomfortable seeking help or don’t perceive their issues as ‘big enough’ to talk about. Men should be encouraged to view these resources as a tool for success, much like continuing professional or educational development.

5. Use Language that Resonates

For some men, directly addressing issues like depression or anxiety may feel overwhelming. It may help to frame these conversations in terms of "stress," "burnout," or "work pressure." This can serve as a gateway to broader discussions about mental health, making it easier for men to link their experiences at work and in life to their mental health. Furthermore, it can help them to open up without feeling like they’re admitting to something they can’t handle.

6. Set Boundaries for Better Work-Life Balance

Since work is a major trigger for mental health struggles, setting boundaries is vital. Men should strive to prioritise work-life balance by learning to say no, delegate tasks when appropriate, and ensure they have time for self-care activities outside of work. This might involve taking breaks, using all their allocated annual leave, or ensuring they have time for family, friends, hobbies, exercise, and relaxation.