Men’s Health Week – How our staff are prioritising their health

Men’s Health Week took place this month from 9 to 15 June, marking a week in which individuals and businesses took the time to make men’s health – particularly mental health – a priority.

At Butterworth Barlow, we care about providing a supportive workplace environment that is conducive to the mental wellbeing of all our employees – but we recognise the unique challenges that men face when it comes to talking about mental health.

Accounts Assistant Samuel Rhead believes that Men’s Health Week is “a good idea”: “awareness is getting better but there is still a stigma surrounding men opening up.”

For Accounts Executive Joe Ahmed, mental health is “all about balance. Too much of one thing or too little of another can throw everything off.

“It’s important for men to maintain a healthy mix – making time for life, family, work, and friends – and taking holidays or breaks is just as important to reset and recharge.”

Sam and Joe agreed that opening up about mental health is still a huge challenge for many men, both citing a “a societal need” to be “strong and stable”.

“I feel men were always expected to not show emotion,” Sam shared.

Fear of being judged also factors into the stigma.

“Many men grow up believing they have to provide, stay strong, and solve everything alone,” Joe shared. “They feel like no one’s coming to save them, so opening up seems like a luxury they can’t afford.”

Sam is pleased to see “a lot of resources and support systems that have started up recently aimed at improving men struggling with mental health,” but feels that “more support networks and advertising [to raise] awareness” are needed.

Ending the stigma around opening up is something that both Joe and Sam believe is important, and both agree that more needs to be done to break the stigma and support men’s mental health at work.

“I’d like to see more teamwork activities at work that bring people together,” said Joe.

“Doing things as a team helps build connection, reduce stress, and makes it easier for men to support each other’s well-being.”

Both Sam and Joe take proactive steps to take care of their mental health.

Sam opens up to his friends and family when he needs support, while Joe eases pressure and stress by “stepping back from the situation, giving myself time to recharge, and having some fun to reset my mind.”

Sam offers a final piece of advice for men who want to manage their mental health.

“Make sure to open up [when you’re] struggling and don’t try to supress emotions.”