Men's Health Week takes place in June, and it's important to consider the persistent and, in many cases, preventable health issues affecting men.
In the U.K., the Government has its first-ever Men's Health Strategy currently in development, demonstrating how important this topic is. U.K. employers can play an important role as the workplace is pivotal in promoting a change in men's health outcomes.
The health challenges facing men in the U.K.
Men in the U.K. experience a range of serious health challenges—many of which are preventable or treatable if caught early. With men living nearly four years less than women on average, the case for action is both urgent and compelling:
- Mental health: Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50
- Cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer, with over 52,000 new cases annually. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15–49
- Heart disease: Men are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease earlier and die from it
- Liver disease and substance misuse: Men account for two-thirds of alcohol-related deaths in the U.K.
- Financial wellbeing: Financial wellbeing is a critical aspect of overall health, and it significantly impacts men's mental and physical health
Why are men at greater risk?
The causes are complex, rooted in a combination of cultural expectations, psychological factors, and long-standing behavioral patterns.
- Outdated cultural expectations can stop men from seeking help, or discussing health concerns, before problems become serious
- Men have a lower engagement with healthcare provisions, which may further impact an early diagnosis
- According to the Men's Health Forum, men are twice as likely as women to have inadequate health literacy which can make it harder for them to recognize early symptoms and seek timely medical advice
- Risk behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and poor diet are more prevalent among men
- Financial pressures can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and even depression. Men can face societal expectations to be the primary breadwinners, which can create pressure to meet these expectations
The employer's role in driving change
The U.K. government's Men's Health Strategy aims to improve prevention, diagnosis, and engagement. Employers can play a pivotal role in all three areas through a thoughtful and inclusive employee benefits strategy that considers targeted prevention, early diagnosis and engagement.
Prevention: Building healthy habits
Prevention is the cornerstone of effective healthcare—especially in men's health—because it helps stop serious conditions before they start or worsen. Employers can evolve a prevention strategy by providing:
- Health screenings: Offer annual check-ups, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, and cancer screenings—but go beyond simply providing them, ensuring communications and the checks included in the screening are personalized
- Build financial literacy: Fintech solutions often include educational resources that can help men improve their financial literacy, empowering them to make informed decisions
- Bring services to them: On-site health checks, mobile clinics and digital health tools reduce the friction of booking and attending appointments
- Normalize participation: Share stories from male colleagues who've benefited from early detection and the programs your organization offers
- Target your communications: Ensure your employee experience is personalized and leverages different communications styles to engage male employees in health awareness programs that feel relevant to their individual circumstances and needs
Early diagnosis: Raising awareness
Early diagnosis is critically important in men's health because it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival—especially for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. This is especially relevant for men, who are more likely to delay seeking help.
Encouraging regular check-ups and symptom awareness in the workplace can help bridge this gap. This can be done through:
- Internal campaigns: Use awareness dates such as Men's Health Week to spotlight issues like prostate cancer, heart health, and mental wellbeing
- Manager training: Equip leaders to recognize signs of stress, burnout, or physical health decline
- Health education: Share NHS and other educational resources and host webinars with medical professionals or vendors to increase knowledge and health literacy
- Targeted communication: Ensure your health and wellbeing program communications target key demographics and health risks within your organization, in a way that feels personal and addresses specific issues and needs
Engagement: Creating a supportive culture
A supportive culture is crucial for men's health helping normalize potentially difficult and often avoided conversations reducing the fear of judgment. A positive workplace culture is foundational to health and wellbeing as an employer you can consider:
- Lifestyle benefits: These can be powerful tools for improving men's health, but they need to be designed and communicated in ways that resonate with men's interests, values, and habits. Offer variety – not just traditional gyms, create social incentives – friendly competitions and challenges
- Digital tools: Research shows that men typically engage more with digital health tools and are more likely to use them to take early action to address wellbeing issues. Fitness and wellbeing apps can be particularly appealing to men when they're designed and positioned in the right way.
Many men prefer to manage their health privately and independently. Apps allow them to track progress, set goals, and make changes without needing to speak to a professional right away. Features like step counters, heart rate monitors, and achievement badges tap into a sense of competition and accomplishment, which can be highly motivating
- Normalize help-seeking: Share real stories from male employees who've accessed support. Where possible, try to encourage senior leaders in your organization to share their stories to underline the commitment of the organization to supporting a culture of openness and support for all employees
- Provide flexible access: Offer virtual GP services, mental health and other digital health support that fits around work schedules and engagement preferences
- Create inclusive communication: Ensure health messages are tailored to men of all backgrounds and roles, and use a variety of communication channels
Improving men health – how can we help?
- Enhance health literacy and awareness: Leveraging our expertise in data analytics and employee engagement, WTW can help design and implement impactful health literacy initiatives that resonate with your workforce
- Promote regular health screenings: By engaging the right vendor and through effective communication WTW can support with securing your company with accessible health screening services with the aim of early detection of potential health issues, ultimately reducing long-term healthcare costs
- Support mental health and wellbeing: WTW can enhance your mental health resources and support systems to address the psychological impact of financial and health-related stress. From gap analysis of existing support, to selecting and embedding the right vendor for your business. Our wellbeing team alongside EX and listening tools can provide insights into employee wellbeing and help tailor support programs
Why it matters
Investing in men's health is more than a moral responsibility—it's a strategic opportunity. Men's health inequality is a national issue, but it also reflects how inclusive and responsive your organization's benefits and wellbeing strategy truly is. By aligning with the government's Men's Health Strategy, you can take important steps to strengthen your culture and ensure your benefits genuinely support the diverse needs of your workforce. WTW can provide comprehensive resources and expertise to improve the health and wellbeing of your male employees, leading to a healthier, more productive workforce.
