Mental ill-health remains high among Australian men, with up to 25% experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, and 15% experiencing a disorder in a 12-month period, according to the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health.
Depression was the most common mental health disorder among young men and adults, steadily increasing in prevalence from age 15–17 (7%) to old age (13%).
The problems experienced by men with mental ill-health can be exacerbated because men are less likely to seek support, including from a mental health professional. Only a quarter of men said they would be likely or very likely to seek help from a mental health professional if they experienced an emotional or personal problem. Almost 25% said they would not seek help from anyone.
The impact of work
Given that work is where we spend up to a third of our lives, it's understandable that our working environments can have a significant impact on our mental health. A study by UK mental health charity Mind found that work life is the main source of men's mental health issues. The charity found that one in three men attribute work stress to the ill effects on their mental wellbeing, which is twice as many as women who report this.
How businesses can help
Workplaces can support men’s mental health by introducing initiatives that speak to their specific experiences and preferences. Below are some ways employers can help create an environment where men feel more comfortable discussing mental health:
● Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Confidential counselling services that help men with stress, personal challenges, and emotional health.
● Mental Health First Aiders: Trained colleagues who can identify mental health concerns and provide immediate support, guiding individuals to the right resources.
● Men’s Support Networks or Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Safe spaces for men to discuss mental health challenges, work-life balance, and stress without fear of judgment.
● Workshops and Training: Programs that focus on men’s mental well-being, stress management, and emotional resilience, encouraging more open conversations.
● External Partnerships: Collaborating with organisations that specialise in men’s mental health, to bring expert-led programs into the workplace.
● Education: Provide information to all employees on maintaining their mental health and developing helpful coping strategies – including bringing in specialists to facilitate this.
● Balance: Create better and more flexible working conditions that can help to reduce stress, e.g. hybrid working.
● Communication: Talk openly and often about mental health in the workplace, including at staff meetings and in newsletters – but be sure to back this up with concrete support.
Good for people, good for business
Supporting mental health at work has obvious benefits for employees, but it’s good for business too. Poor mental health costs the Australian economy from $12.2 billion to $22.5 billion each year, according to the Australian Government Productivity Commission.
Research has also shown that investment in mental health has a positive return on investment. This can range from an average of $2.30 upwards for each dollar invested.
How Flourish Australia can help
Flourish offers a range of tools to build better work environments, including specialised training workshops, leadership mentoring and implementation of peer support or programs.
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
