Supporting Men’s Health this Movember

by Aoife Meagher, Content Specialist, SD Worx

Movember is more than just moustaches—it’s a global movement bringing attention to men’s health, from prostate cancer to mental health struggles like suicide prevention. While these issues are no longer taboo, they have long existed under a pall of silence which meant that many men did not receive the help or care that they needed. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that we mark this important month in every way that we can.

The humble moustache has become a symbol for this fundraising opportunity throughout the month of November, but this month is an excellent opportunity to create an environment in which men can benefit from understanding and concern. In the same way that we came together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Movember is another opportunity for us to show our commitment to health and well-being, this time focusing on men’s health.

Almost 4,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Ireland. This means that 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and every year, approximately 170 men in Ireland will be diagnosed with testicular cancer.

With Movember casting a light on the hidden issues of men’s health, finding a way to support is absolutely key.  We’ve come up with 8 HR strategies that organisations could implement to drive change for their employees:

1. Encourage Mental Health Awareness 

• With men disproportionately affected by mental health struggles, keeping the dialogue around mental health open and honest is key at work.
• Host mental health workshops or webinars focused on men’s mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being. These can take place through a company portal, to be accessible at any time that someone might need them.

2. Promote Regular Health Screenings 

• Encouraging employees to access their local healthcare providers or explore their healthcare plans is important. This can motivate employees to access on-site or virtual health checks, including prostate and testicular cancer screenings.
• Where possible, offer flexibility for employees to attend these screenings. Making sure that your company is following through with practical support by providing opportunities for people who might not otherwise take the time to attend screenings is an excellent way to make a difference this Movember.

3. Raise Awareness Through Internal Communication 

• Share informative content about men’s health topics in newsletters, blogs, or internal communications, removing the stigma and silence.
• Leveraging the channels at your fingertips can be an excellent way to show your solidarity and support all year, not just during November.
• Gathering and sharing stories from employees who are willing to speak about their experiences, or employees who have worked previously to raise money and awareness for Movember is a wonderful way to give a more local view of what support can look like.

4. Mental Health Support 

• Promote the use of existing mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and counselling provided as part of healthcare packages.
• Circulating important contact details for charities and services that offer mental health support as a matter of course is a fantastic way to keep conversations around mental health as part of everyday vernacular.

5. Organise Health & Wellness Challenges 

• Offering courses in yoga or fitness helps to take care of your employee’s mental health and to keep a positive feeling among teams.
• If possible, a themed Movember challenge or event is an excellent way to keep the attention of the team focused on a common goal and positive outcome.

6. Encourage Open Conversations About Mental Health 

• Train managers and team leaders to recognise signs of burnout or emotional distress in male colleagues.
• Making sure that your colleagues are trained and aware of the best methods of discussing mental health and offering support to fellow colleagues and peers is crucial when it comes to fostering a supportive and responsible working environment.

7. Support Flexible Work Arrangements 

• Offer flexible work hours or remote working options to help employees manage personal health appointments or stress without work pressure.
• Keeping work-life balance at the centre of discussions on wellness at work is vital for building a supportive environment which keeps employees feeling happy and healthy at work as well as when they go home. Making sure employees feel that their lives are in balance and their company encourages this balance is an excellent way to reduce burnout and improve overall well-being,

8. Share Stories from Leadership 

• Have male leaders in the company share their personal stories of health struggles or challenges to break down barriers and normalize conversations about men’s health.
• For International Men’s Day in 2023, we heard from SD Worx Chief People Officer, Bruce Fecheyr-Lippens, all about how important it is to show vulnerability as a man – a very important message which we were proud to share.

This Movember, let’s continue to invest in care of our health and care for each other. Whether you’re growing a moustache, planning to take part in one of our health challenges, accessing further training in mental health advocacy, or sharing your story with others, you are part of something bigger