14 Jun 2023
The book Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus by John Gray states that the most common reason for the differences between men and women is a result of psychological differences between the sexes.
So in my second article on Health in the workplace, I have focused on Men’s Health in the work place and I will look at each sexes similarities and differences and how employers can help all employees
Men’s health in the workplace is an important issue that is often overlooked. It is essential to recognize that men face unique health challenges that can impact their ability to perform well in the workplace. By creating a healthy work environment, employers can not only help men stay healthy but also boost their productivity.
One of the most significant health challenges facing men in the workplace is mental health. Men are under a lot of pressure to succeed in their careers, and this can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Men are also less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, which can lead to a significant disparity in access to treatment.
Employers can help address this issue by providing mental health resources and support to their male employees. This can include access to counselling services, mental health education programs, and stress-management workshops. Creating a culture of open communication and destigmatising mental health issues can also encourage men to seek the help they need.
Another essential area of men’s health in the workplace is physical health. Many men work long hours either sitting at a desk or performing physically demanding tasks, which can lead to chronic health problems such as back pain, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and providing ergonomic workstations can help reduce these health risks.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with an estimated 1.4 million new cases diagnosed globally in 2020 alone, according to the World Health Organization (WHO 2021). It is essential to promote regular screening and early detection. Employers can provide education and resources on the importance of prostate cancer screenings, including offering on-site clinics for its male employees.
In the UK, men have a higher risk of developing heart disease at a younger age compared to women And are more likely to have a heart attack before the age of 65 than women (British Heart Foundation, 2021). However, after the age of 65, women are more likely than men to develop heart disease (NHS, 2021). Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and rewarding employees for a healthy lifestyle can encourage a fitter workplace.
Finally, it is crucial to address the issue of workplace accidents and injuries. Men are more likely to work in physically demanding jobs, such as construction or manufacturing, which can put them at risk of workplace injuries. Employers can reduce the risk of accidents by implementing safety training and providing appropriate safety equipment.
In conclusion, men’s health in the workplace is an important issue that needs to be addressed. By promoting mental health resources, encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting regular screenings for prostate cancer, and implementing safety measures, employers can help create a healthy work environment for their male employees. This will not only improve their health but also enhance their job performance and productivity.
Speak to Wingate to understand what you already have in place through your existing employee benefit providers and how you can help utilise a comprehensive employee benefit package to support not just your male members of staff but all of your employees. Contact us on info@wingatebs.com.
So are Men from Mars and Women from Venus when it comes to Health Provision? Read my first article on Women’s Health.
