Beyond the Surface: Unseen Men’s Health Issues Every Employer Should Know

Men’s Health Week is a timely reminder to actively support the wellbeing of male employees—not just physically, but across all dimensions of health. While fitness often gets the spotlight, critical areas like mental wellbeing and preventative care are frequently sidelined. These overlooked challenges can deeply affect both individuals and organisational performance. As leaders and HR professionals, we have a unique opportunity to foster environments where men’s health is genuinely supported.

The Hidden Gaps in Men’s Health

Beneath the surface, many men are quietly navigating serious health issues. Recent Australian statistics highlight growing concerns:

• Mental Wellbeing: Almost one in five Australians experience some form of mental illness in any given year (Productivity Commission, Mental Health Inquiry Report, 2020). Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for Australians aged 15–44, with rates significantly higher among men (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, The Health of Men in Australia). Yet men are far less likely than women to seek mental health support or access subsidised services.
  
  
• Preventative Care: While many men claim to value their health, this doesn’t always translate into action. Roughly 30% of adult males skip regular GP visits, and screening rates—for example, bowel cancer checks—are consistently lower among men. Factors like stigma, outdated masculinity norms, and the “tough it out” mentality all contribute to these patterns.

The Workplace Impact

Health challenges don’t stay at home—they follow employees into the workplace. Unaddressed issues can lead to:

• Lower productivity and concentration
• Higher absenteeism and presenteeism
• Diminished morale and engagement
• Increased staff turnover
  
  

Work-related stress itself is a major contributor to poor mental health. The cost to the Australian economy is significant: mental ill-health and suicide cost Australia an estimated $200–$220 billion per year, including $40–$70 billion in direct economic costs (Productivity Commission, Mental Health Inquiry Report, 2020).

Creating a Culture That Supports Men’s Health

Men’s Health Week offers the perfect opportunity to review and enhance your wellbeing strategies. Consider these practical actions:

• Support Preventative Care: Remove barriers by offering paid time for medical appointments or partnering with providers for on-site screenings.
  
  
• Boost Mental Health Access: Make your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) highly visible. Tailored sessions through providers like Holistic Services Group can be highly effective especially when framed as support for stress, resilience, or burnout.
  
  
• Encourage Psychological Safety: Model openness from the top. When leaders share their own wellbeing practices, it helps destigmatise vulnerability and builds trust.
  
  
• Design for Wellbeing: Rethink workloads, encourage flexible work options, and train managers to spot early signs of distress and respond constructively.
  
  
• Leverage the Week Strategically: Launch a focused campaign. Share educational tools such as Know Your Man Facts (Australian Men’s Health Forum), or host interactive sessions on managing stress, building healthy habits, and sustaining resilience.

Wellbeing as a Strategic Advantage

Investing in men’s health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart, strategic decision. By addressing both the visible and often-hidden aspects of wellbeing, you lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient, and high-performing workforce. Let Men’s Health Week be more than a calendar event—make it a catalyst for lasting change.

Ready to bring practical, evidence-based men’s health support into your workplace? Enquire Now or call us on 1300 889 073 — we respond to all enquiries within 12 hours.