International Men’s Day

Learn how employers can use International Men’s Day to promote the importance of men’s physical and mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The value of supporting International Men’s Day at work

International Men’s Day (IMD) gives workplaces an opportunity to start conversations about men’s health and encourage male employees to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Creating a workplace culture that encourages open conversations about health and wellbeing is beneficial to both employees and employers.

Workplace benefits include:

• Increased employee engagement and retention – employees are more likely to feel valued and engaged in workplaces that actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion
• Improved employee wellbeing – IMD can inspire conversations around men’s mental and physical health, reducing stigma and encouraging access to support services
• Strengthened employer reputation – organisations that support gender equality and celebrate initiatives like IMD are more attractive to job seekers, especially those who value an inclusive workplace.

Get involved in International Men’s Day at work

There are many ways your workplace can celebrate International Men’s Day.

Here are some things you could do:

Involve employees in planning

Take time to find out what interests your employees have and involve them in organising and promoting events and activities.

Hold a talk or ‘lunch and learn’ sessions

Invite an expert to talk to employees about men’s health. It’s a great opportunity for employees to ask any questions they might have too.

You could invite local male focused charities such as men’s sheds to talk about the work they do.

Spread awareness and encourage conversations

Use employee communication channels to share information and advice about men’s health and wellbeing.

Set up ways for employees to talk about their health in confidence. These could include:

• Informal peer support groups
• Wellbeing check-ins
• Dedicated quiet areas

Movember also takes place throughout November, meaning you can spread your planned activities across the month.

Promoting men’s health at work throughout the year

Being proactive and supporting men’s health throughout the year can have a positive impact on your workplace.

Here are some things you can do in your workplace:

Encourage check-ups

Encourage male employees to have regular check-ups, including monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol.

Promote testicular self-checks and allow employees time to attend check-up appointments.

Promote healthy behaviours

Promoting healthy habits can support employees in making better lifestyle choices. This could include:

• Healthy eating
• Quitting smoking
• Being active

Encourage conversations

Be open and normalise conversations around physical and mental health.

Use posters, emails, intranet updates, and team meetings to raise awareness.

Find out more

To find out how your workplace can get involved and get resources you can use, visit the International Men’s Day website.

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