Supporting men’s health and wellness in the workplace

The health of every employee is critical to the success of an organization. Men’s and women’s health are equally crucial to workplace productivity, but data shows that women use more health care services than men or people assigned male at birth.^1,2,3  Men also face higher rates of serious illnesses, shorter life expectancies, and specific health risks.⁴  All these factors have significant potential to affect productivity and performance.

To help close critical care gaps and encourage men to adopt healthy behaviors, employers should consider offering a men’s wellness program.

Why we need to talk about men’s health in the workplace

Men tend to seek less care than women, with many missing out on preventive screenings and other recommended care aimed at helping them stay healthy.⁵ According to Healthy People 2030 data from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, only 5 percent of men received preventive care in 2020.⁶

Preventive care can be lifesaving when it’s provided in combination with other wellness measures.⁷ Yet longstanding masculinity ideals and stigmas around caring for the body and mind are thought to contribute to the care gap among men.

All is not lost. One way to start destigmatizing this topic is to talk about it. Opening the conversation around men’s health in the workplace can seem challenging but is well worth the effort. Promoting the importance of men’s health can help reduce the stigma that keeps many men from seeking care. This, in turn, can make it easier to reach those who rarely engage with the health care system.

Stigma to overcome: Men’s mental health in the workplace

Women are often painted in a soft light and expected to be caregivers. Conversely, society often demands that men be strong and suppress their emotions. This masculinity norm can have dire physical and mental health consequences that can impact men, their partners, and others around them. It also contributes to the sense of shame and stress men may feel when seeking help for behavioral health concerns.

Stress can be the catalyst for a number of physical, emotional, and psychological well-being concerns, including anxiety and depression.⁸ The 2024 National Health Statistics Reports indicates that just over 18 percent of adults had anxiety symptoms and slightly more than 21 percent had depression symptoms in the past two weeks—both of which can negatively impact work performance.⁹ Some research suggests that depressive disorders will become one of the leading causes of ill health and premature death worldwide, and that the estimated annual economic costs associated with them could reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. alone.

The same stigmas that discourage men from getting support for their mental health can apply to physical health. Heart disease, lung cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are among the serious diseases for which men are at high risk.¹⁰ Men also die an average of five years earlier than women,¹¹ yet they tend to use fewer health care services. This trend cannot continue.

How employers can encourage men to take charge of their health

Don’t reinforce stigmas. Making light of stigmas that make men feel weak for getting care can be damaging. Stop negative talk when you hear it—even when it’s done in a joking manner—and lead by example. Let staff know that getting services like preventive care is a sign of strength and important for everyone’s overall health.

Create a level of comfort. Make health care an acceptable conversation topic in the workplace. Place posters and other literature that promote men’s and women’s health in break rooms. These materials can spark conversations and encouragement. Some insurance carriers, such as UPMC Health Plan, can provide materials you can change throughout the year to increase awareness of a range of health issues and supports.

Be flexible. If employees need to get care, try to accommodate their schedule. If possible, allow them to come in early or stay later to make up any missed time.

UPMC Health Plan resources to support men’s health

UPMC Health Plan is committed to helping men and their families enjoy the best possible health. That’s why we provide access to:

• The world-class doctors and hospitals of UPMC, as well as community-based providers.
• The UPMC Men’s Health Center - Opens in new tab, which is dedicated to men’s health and the evaluation and treatment of conditions affecting men’s sexual and reproductive wellness.
• Virtual care, including behavioral health tools and programs.
• The Workpartners® employee assistance program - Opens in new tab.
• Health coaching programs for stress relief and healthy lifestyle changes.