On 19 November, International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. The theme for 2022 is Helping Men and Boys.

International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we seek.” It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society that allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.

Over recent months we have seen a lot of focus on women’s health and wellbeing, including World Menopause Day, National Women’s Health and Fitness Day and some countries now adopting ‘period leave’.

November is generally the time to focus on Men. Recently coined as ‘Movember’, men around the world would be clean shaven at the end of October and aim to grow a moustache and not shave throughout the whole month. Money is raised to support awareness and funds for men’s health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Employers could try to encourage their staff to take part in ‘Movember’ in order to raise funds for a chosen charity. This doesn’t just apply to men as women can also get involved, take up activities and generally support their male colleagues. Even a ‘dress down day’ to raise funds would go a long way to supporting men’s health.

It is often assumed that men don’t need any help in their lives because of their ‘tough’ exterior. Employers need to be aware that mental health issues can affect anyone, man or woman, and just because someone is not showing signs of issues does not mean that they are not struggling.

The implementation of a stress and mental wellbeing policy, domestic abuse policy (it happens to men too!) and equality and diversity policy could go a long way to showing your male employees that you care for and support them.

Should you require assistance devising a stress and mental wellbeing policy, domestic abuse policy and/or require support with workplace training connected to stress at work and to the wellbeing of staff in the workplace, please feel free to contact Sarah Collier, Employment Law Partner on 01204 527777 or scollier@kbl.co.uk.