25 November 2025 – The launch of England’s first Men’s Health Strategy for England has highlighted persistent health inequalities among men. Howden Employee Benefits (Howden) is urging employers to respond, as men continue to seek less mental health support than women and need better workplace provisions.
The new 10-year strategy[i] highlights that men die on average 4.5 years younger than women, with lifestyle-related conditions, delayed diagnoses, and poor mental health among the key drivers. With 75% of all suicides in the UK involving men, the plan places mental health front and centre.
Key commitments include a £3.6 million investment in suicide prevention projects for middle-aged men, the expansion of mental health teams in schools to reach 900,000 pupils by April 2026, and a partnership between the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative and Samaritans to challenge stigma and encourage help-seeking.
The strategy also aims to improve physical health outcomes by reducing inequalities, enhancing prostate cancer pathways and tackling high-risk behaviours such as smoking, alcohol misuse, gambling and substance use.
However, Howden warns that national action must be matched by meaningful support in workplaces. Research from Brightmine[ii] reveals that only 12% of HR professionals believe their organisation is doing enough to support men’s health, compared with 62% for menopause support.
Emma Capper, UK Wellbeing Leader at Howden (pictured above), said:
“The Government’s Men’s Health Strategy is a vital step forward, particularly its focus on suicide prevention and breaking the stigma around discussing mental health that stops many men seeking help. But workplaces can also play a role.“At Howden, we see first-hand that tailored, confidential support can make a real difference. RedArc, our nurse-led health and wellbeing service, recently highlighted this challenge by stating that just 41% of mental health support requests come from men, even though they face similar health needs to women. By embedding male-friendly initiatives, offering practical tools and education, and addressing high-risk behaviours, employers can help men seek support earlier, stay well, and reduce long-term health risks.”
Here are Howden’s practical steps for improving men’s health in the workplace:
- Understand men’s needs: Use data and employee insight to really understand men’s issues and then tailor male-specific health and wellbeing support.
- Offer accessible health checks: Provide screenings for prostate health, cardiovascular risk, blood pressure and cholesterol with discreet, flexible access.
- Increase workplace education: Deliver short sessions or e-learning on topics like mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, heart health, addictions and stress.
- Address high-risk behaviours: Introduce supportive programmes around smoking cessation, alcohol and substance misuse and gambling harms, with clear signposting to confidential help.
- Embed mental health into daily culture: Use walk-and-talk meetings, peer supporters, mental health champions and visible leadership involvement.
- Communicate simply and practically: Use relatable language, practical guidance and real stories to engage men.
- Connect with national campaigns: Use Movember, Men’s Health Week and the new Men’s Health Strategy as catalysts for ongoing engagement.
- Monitor, measure and adapt: Track participation and outcomes to refine strategies and ensure long-term impact.
“For businesses looking to improve support for men in their workplace, we’ve published a Men’s Mental Health Guide to help them. Our experienced consultants offer companies a free benefits review and can tailor benefits for specific workplaces, to ensure people have everything they need to face life’s challenges and perform well.”
“And finally, we recommend businesses check that their mental health strategy is inclusive, with a particular focus on male mental health. If not, our consultants can help implement a strategy that supports the entire workforce, not just those more likely to ask for help.”
To download Howden’s guide go to: Supporting Men’s Mental Health in the workplace
