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International Men’s Day, which takes place annually on November 19th, is a wonderful opportunity for workplaces to raise awareness around men’s health and wellbeing. It's important to remember that this includes support for all employees who identify as men, and anyone assigned male at birth, regardless of their gender identity. This day isn't just about celebrating men but about creating an inclusive culture that addresses the health issues, mental wellbeing, and social challenges men may face. For employers, it’s an excellent opportunity to provide role models, foster positive conversations, and build a gender-inclusive workplace that promotes the health and wellbeing of all your employees.

Here are some effective ways employers can make a positive difference on International Men’s Day in 2024, and every year:

Make sure your policies are up to date

First and foremost, support at work starts with a good policy in place. Talking about men's health can be challenging, especially in the workplace. Creating a men's health policy will allow your employees to feel empowered to take control of their health and get checked out if they think something is wrong. If you don't already have one in place, or you're looking to re-vamp an existing one, check out our template Men's Health Policy. Our template policy outlines why a Men’s Health Policy is essential for your employees and provides an overview of the most common health challenges and conditions affecting men. A Men’s Health Policy is an important part of building an inclusive workplace that works for everyone.

Host talks or workshops on men’s health

One of the best ways to generate awareness is by organising events that focus on men’s physical and mental health. Guest speakers, like doctors, nurses, mental health advocates, and inclusion & diversity consultants, can bring valuable insights into challenges like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, heart disease, and suicide prevention—key health topics that affect men.

Some statistics to consider when planning talk and workshop topics:

1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer

Three quarters of suicides reported are among men

Around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK

Consider inviting role models or key gender diversity champions who can talk openly about their experiences and encourage employees to seek help when they need it. This annual event is an ideal opportunity to start normal conversations about comprehensive health and create a safe space for questions and support.

Focus on mental health and wellbeing

Mental health issues affect millions of men worldwide, but societal gender stereotypes often make it difficult for men to seek help. Men are at a higher risk for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and they are less likely to reach out for support. Tragically, men also account for a significant proportion of suicide cases. On International Men’s Day, host a mental wellbeing workshop or a discussion panel to break down the stigma around mental health in men.

Create a gender network or a group where employees can talk openly about mental wellbeing and find support. Workplace initiatives on mental health could address the intersection between gender and mental health, providing a safe, judgment-free environment for employees to share their experiences. Encouraging men to prioritise their mental health can create a positive, inclusive culture that benefits everyone.

Promote a gender-inclusive culture

International Men’s Day is an ideal opportunity to reinforce a workplace culture that values gender balance and respects the experiences of men, women, and non-binary individuals. Gender equality and inclusion are not just for one day, but awareness days like this can help keep these important topics visible. Consider hosting a session on gender relations and gender stereotypes, where employees can discuss how men and women experience different challenges and opportunities. Including allies and key gender diversity champions in these events can lead to a more comprehensive, inclusive conversation about gender and equality.

You might also want to recognise positive agents of change in your workplace—those who champion inclusion and support employees in being true to themselves. A positive role model can inspire others to create a workplace that’s respectful, supportive, and free of negative portrayals or harmful stereotypes.

Support holistic wellbeing

Wellbeing goes beyond physical health. Use International Men’s Day to emphasise all aspects of wellbeing: social, emotional, career, financial, and physical. Organise an event for employees that covers topics like financial wellbeing, career wellbeing, and social wellbeing, helping men feel supported in every aspect of their lives. Community events or person events centered around these areas can provide men with the tools they need to thrive.

To support physical wellbeing, consider a wellness day event with health screenings, information on regular physical check-ups, and resources on common male health issues like heart disease. When men feel supported in all areas of their lives, they’re more likely to experience a positive health impact and feel valued by their workplace.

Encourage open conversations and create a safe space

One of the most powerful ways to make a positive difference on International Men’s Day is to encourage open conversations about health and wellbeing. Designate a safe space where employees can share their experiences without fear of judgment. This could be for example an online forum or a dedicated time in the company calendar where men feel comfortable talking about personal health, workplace deaths, mental health issues, and other wider issues that may affect them.

Creating these spaces allows men to be vulnerable, helps normalise seeking help, and reduces the stigma around issues like mental health conditions and physical health. It’s also a chance to model inclusion by bringing in inclusion allies and key gender diversity champions to support these discussions.

Celebrate and engage all employees

Gender-inclusive conversations benefit all employees, creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported. Hosting a networking event or day events for employees to discuss issues like mental health, health impact, and gender balance conversations can bring people together, creating unity and shared understanding.

Whether through events for fathers, an onboarding process that emphasises gender equality, or a discussion of inclusion and mental wellbeing, this day is a wonderful opportunity to promote an inclusive culture that embraces individual differences and celebrates each person’s unique contributions.

International Men’s Day is an excellent opportunity for employers to champion men’s health, break down stereotypes, and create a supportive and inclusive workplace for everyone. By prioritising events that raise awareness of men’s physical and mental health, hosting role models who exemplify positive behaviours, and promoting gender-inclusive policies, employers can make a meaningful impact. This national event gives companies the chance to improve gender relations and create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to live a healthy life.