Movember is much more than just a time for men to grow moustaches—it’s a global movement dedicated to raising awareness of men’s health issues, particularly those that are often overlooked or not openly discussed. These include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health issues, and suicide prevention. Every November, workplaces around the world take the opportunity to engage their teams, drive conversations, and contribute to meaningful change through education, fundraising, and community events.

In the workplace, Movember presents an important chance to shine a light on the physical and mental health issues that impact men, many of which are either stigmatised or simply not discussed enough. Taking part in Movember initiatives allows employers to foster a supportive and health-conscious environment, strengthen team bonds, and promote wellness across the board. If you’re looking to engage your team this year, here are five fun and inspiring ways to raise awareness about men’s health in your workplace.

1. Grow a Moustache to Start a Conversation: The ‘Grow a Mo’ Challenge

One of the most recognisable symbols of Movember is the moustache, often referred to as the “Mo.” Growing a moustache during November is an easy and visible way to show support for men’s health, spark conversation, and raise awareness. Encourage your male employees to participate in a ‘Grow a Mo’ Challenge, where they grow and groom their moustaches throughout the month. It’s an excellent opportunity for lighthearted office engagement while raising money for the Movember Foundation or other men’s health charities.

For workplaces that want to take this initiative to the next level, consider turning it into a friendly competition. Set up categories such as:

• Best Moustache – for those who have grown the most impressive facial hair.
• Most Creative Moustache – for those who take their moustache styling to the next level.
• Best Team Effort – for groups of colleagues who band together to support each other in their moustache-growing efforts.

For employees who prefer not to grow facial hair, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Encourage them to wear fake moustaches, help organise and support fundraising activities, or promote men’s health awareness through social media. Participants can also seek sponsorships from family, friends, or colleagues, raising funds that can be donated to men’s health charities. Not only does the ‘Grow a Mo’ Challenge bring attention to important health topics, but it also creates a sense of camaraderie and fun in the workplace.

2. Host a Men’s Health ‘Lunch and Learn’

Creating opportunities for education is a powerful way to raise awareness about men’s health issues, and a Lunch and Learn session offers a perfect setting to do so. Hosting an informal educational session during the lunch hour allows employees to learn about critical men’s health topics in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Invite a healthcare professional, such as a urologist, oncologist, mental health expert, or fitness trainer, to give a talk about pressing issues like prostate cancer, testicular health, mental wellbeing, or general fitness and nutrition tips. These topics are often neglected, and having a knowledgeable speaker can help demystify them while encouraging employees to be proactive about their health.

To make the event even more engaging, provide a healthy lunch that aligns with the themes of wellness and prevention. Employees will appreciate the opportunity to learn and ask questions in an open and supportive setting. Consider offering handouts or brochures with tips on how to monitor prostate health, signs of testicular cancer, or resources for managing stress and mental wellbeing. This session can serve as a stepping stone for employees to begin their journey toward better health while reducing the stigma around discussing men’s health issues.

3. Organise a Charity Fitness Challenge

Physical activity is not only essential for physical wellbeing but also for mental health. One creative way to tie this into Movember is by organising a Charity Fitness Challenge for your team. The goal is to encourage everyone to get moving—whether it’s walking, running, cycling, or even yoga—and to raise awareness and funds for men’s health in the process.

To make it fun and engaging, set up a team-based fitness challenge where employees can track their physical activity using apps or fitness trackers. Teams can compete to see who logs the most steps, miles, or minutes of activity over the course of the month. To drive the competitive spirit, offer small prizes or incentives for the winning team or individuals who hit specific milestones.

For each milestone, employees or teams can collect donations from sponsors—family members, friends, or even colleagues—who pledge to contribute based on the number of steps, miles, or hours logged. For example, sponsors could donate a certain amount of money for every 10,000 steps or each mile completed. All funds raised can be donated to the Movember Foundation or a related charity supporting men’s health.

In addition to raising awareness and supporting men’s health, a fitness challenge encourages employees to be more active, which can boost overall productivity, improve mood, and foster a sense of community within the workplace. It’s a win-win for both employees and men’s health.

4. Create a Safe Space for Sharing Personal Stories

Sharing personal stories is one of the most powerful ways to promote understanding and empathy when it comes to men’s health issues, especially topics like mental health, which are often shrouded in stigma. Consider creating a Safe Space for Story Sharing where employees can share their experiences related to men’s health—whether it’s their own health journey or the story of a loved one.

You could host an in-person or virtual panel discussion featuring employees who are willing to share their stories, or you could provide an anonymous platform where employees can submit their experiences. Having an open forum for sharing can help break down barriers and encourage others to open up about their own struggles, particularly around mental health.

For those uncomfortable with public speaking, anonymous story-sharing platforms—such as an internal message board or video presentation—can still offer a meaningful way to contribute without the pressure of speaking in front of others. Bringing in a mental health professional or counsellor to moderate the discussion or offer additional support can further enhance the impact of the event.

By facilitating these conversations, you help normalise discussions about mental health, encourage seeking help, and promote a culture of openness and support. This, in turn, can have a lasting impact on employee wellbeing.

5. Movember Fundraising Day

A Movember Fundraising Day is an exciting way to engage everyone in the office, raise awareness, and make a tangible contribution to the Movember cause. Choose a day during the month where the workplace comes together for fundraising and awareness activities. This could include a “Wear Blue for Men’s Health” day, where employees show support by wearing blue and making a small donation.

Pair this event with fun activities like:

• Raffles: Ask local businesses or employees to donate prizes, and sell tickets to raise money.
• Bake Sales: Employees can bake (or buy!) treats to sell, with proceeds going to men’s health charities.
• Casual Dress Day: Employees can donate a small amount to wear casual clothes or themed attire for the day.

You can also encourage employees to bring in donations for men’s health charities or organize a silent auction, with the funds raised going directly to organizations like the Movember Foundation. These activities foster a sense of unity and collective action while contributing to important men’s health initiatives.

Why Movember matters in the workplace

Men’s health issues, particularly mental health, are often underreported, under-discussed, and underfunded. Research shows that men are far less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women, and the stigma surrounding conditions like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and depression can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Movember presents an opportunity to not only raise awareness but also to shift workplace culture towards one that supports open discussions about health and wellbeing.

Engaging in Movember activities can help create a more supportive work environment, break down stigmas, and encourage employees to take their health seriously. When companies make men’s health a priority, they send a strong message to employees that their wellbeing matters. This, in turn, can boost employee morale, increase productivity, and promote loyalty.

Movember 2024 is the perfect opportunity for workplaces to engage employees in raising awareness around men’s health while having fun and making a positive impact. Whether it’s through growing moustaches, organizing fitness challenges, hosting educational sessions, or facilitating open conversations about health, your company can play a vital role in promoting wellness and breaking down the stigmas surrounding men’s health issues. With a little creativity and participation, your team can help make Movember a success, while fostering a culture of support, awareness, and care for everyone in the workplace. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of men both inside and outside of work.