MOVEMBER: MEN AT WORK
Whilst the moustache is the symbol of Movember, the message goes far deeper than facial hair!
Whilst the moustache is the symbol of Movember, the message goes far deeper than facial hair! Every November, the global Movember movement raises awareness and funds for men’s health issues.
Alongside shining the spotlight on prostate and testicular cancer, men’s mental health is a focus each year. As a nation, we’ve come a long way when it comes to breaking down the stigma associated with talking about mental health. But there’s still a way to go.
The changing face of masculinity
A broader definition of masculinity is eroding the traditional male stereotype of physical strength and keeping emotional sensitivity under wraps. As a society, we should facilitate this by creating space and acceptance for men to address their emotional wellbeing and seek support without embarrassment.
Male wellbeing at work
Men suffer stress, anxiety and depression just as easily as their female counterparts. And despite the changing face of masculinity, they often feel under pressure to maintain a stiff upper lip, not least in the workplace.
Growing understanding, openness and inclusivity at work could help reduce the number of men who take their own life; there’s a life lost like this almost every single day in England. Approximately 74% of those who take their life are men, with men in their early 50s being most at risk. With a link between suicide and low earnings, the cost-of-living challenges faced by many in 2025 are not a good indicator for men’s wellbeing.
We spend significant hours of our lives at work. Home working is slightly less common among males, as they still carry out the majority of manual roles. One of the most at-risk jobs is HGV driving, exacerbated by long hours away from home spent in isolation. Men’s wellbeing at work must be a priority for employees alongside women’s, year-round, not just for Movember.
Making work space a safe space
Employers can play a significant role in the wellbeing of male and of course female staff at work. Whether your workplace is a building site or an office, take a moment to reflect.
By nurturing a culture of openness and creating a workplace where discussions about wellbeing become the norm, you can have a real impact. Change won’t happen on its own or overnight. You need to make it a priority and take action.
Here are five ways you can help shift culture and effect change in your workplace:
(1) Take action with a wellbeing champion
If you are a forward-thinking employer with a significant number of employees, consider creating a wellbeing champion role. With more than 17 million work days lost every year in the UK due to poor mental health, the Wellbeing Champion Apprenticeship could supercharge your efforts to stamp out poor mental health at work. If it worked out so that you had a male in this role, it could further help break down barriers and stigma.
(2) Look after apprentices
Many apprentices are just starting their careers. It can be a nervy time for them, especially if it is their first serious job role. Because the majority of apprentices are younger, they may still be building their resilience in life and at work. We’ve written an article about how apprentices can help themselves at work. Why not re-purpose our blog or send it to your apprentices and their line managers! During November, we particularly urge you to think about your apprentices if you are in a male-dominated sector.
(3) Be aware of high pressure at work
Any job with targets is more likely to take a toll on workers. Alongside this, any lower-paid job or one with higher job insecurity increases the risk of suicide. It’s tough out there for everybody at the moment, and today that includes increased financial pressures on employers and the self-employed. Senior managers should check in with line managers. And in turn, line managers should schedule regular formal or informal check-ins with employees. A short one-to-one check-in could literally save a life. You can do this even for a friend you know who is self-employed!
(4) A culture of care
Shrewd employers know a happy workforce is more productive. Employees are motivated when they are valued, which also reduces staff turnover. Making the workplace a bit more cuddly can help! We’re serious, and you can do it with anything from a table in the staff canteen marked ‘for chatting’ (not phones) to setting up a casual support group or nominating a ‘point person’ for wellbeing. Larger organisations should consider hosting mental health workshops, inviting guest speakers, or running wellness programs.
(5) Give work-life balance a boost
Do you have a space to transform into a gym? Exercise is a recognised stress booster! Can you introduce an extra day’s leave as a wellbeing day? Even without these specific measures, healthy routines are crucial. Senior personnel should model this by taking breaks, making use of flexible work arrangements and respecting boundaries. If you can get your whole team on board, wellbeing can get on the up and up. It’s something to aim for beyond November.
Movember & beyond!
This November and beyond, we hope you’re inspired to grow more than a moustache! Grow your culture, your attitude and the reach of your practical changes. Movember highlights how men deserve to have their health and wellbeing taken seriously, and that it’s okay to seek help. As the Movember foundation puts it: We can help change the story – one conversation, one step and one moustache at a time.
If you need support today, you can contact Samaritans UK for free on 116 123. For further details of support in the Liverpool City Region, refer back to our earlier blog, Mental Health and Work.
