International Men’s Health Week
10th to 16th June 2024 is International Mens Health Week.
In the run up to International Men’s Health Week we look at the steps employers can take to improve health and wellbeing in the workplace.
There are some difficult statistics that can’t be ignored!
Globally, men die 6 years younger than women!
75% of suicides are men!
95% of people who die at work are men!
What are we going to do?
Prevention is better than cure, illness does not discriminate regardless of who you are or what you do for a living. It’s important that men are not suffering in silence, and International Men’s Health Week is a great opportunity for employers to raise awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing.
Regardless of the size of your business, early intervention is key to resolving any work-related issues that impact the health and wellbeing of employees and staff should be encouraged to raise concerns as soon as possible.
Consider introducing an employee assistance programme, which staff can access on a confidential basis for expert advice. The cost of this benefit is generally outweighed by the value it can add to your staff and your business. Also, review your own absence, health, and wellbeing and drugs and alcohol policies to ensure that staff are aware that you will take reasonable steps to support them.
It’s also important to ensure that workers are getting adequate rest, and taking their annual leave, in line with the Working Time Regulations (1998.)
The MOT
No one ignores the signs when something is not quite right with their car, we wouldn’t continue to drive it until it breaks down, and neither should we be running ourselves into the ground either! When it comes to health and fitness, workplace health monitoring and screening is imperative. It is a process of checks and tests to ensure employees are healthy at work. It can help reduce work-related injuries, stress, absenteeism, protect everyone’s safety, and limit the transmission of illnesses in the office. Health screening can be done in different ways, beginning with a health questionnaire. By issuing annual questionnaires you can proactively identify any underlying concerns and take action to support and encourage your employees to see their doctor.
Health surveillance
In jobs that include noise, vibration and hazardous substances, health surveillance is a legal requirement under the HSE. Where surveillance is required, you must use a competent occupational health doctor. Health surveillance is different to health monitoring, promotion or screening and should only be used for workers who need it. It provides feedback about actions you may need to take to prevent further harm and protect your staff. It also allows staff to raise concerns about how work affects their health and provides the opportunity to reinforce training and education.
Read our Guidance on Health Surveillance
Mental health
Many men are still reluctant to talk about their mental health, despite a number of high-profile sportsmen and actors sharing their own experiences in the media. If a worker doesn’t want to discuss their mental health with you or their family, there are several organisations that offer CBT and counselling services which are free.
We have included a few links below that can help.
www.counselling-directory.org.uk
If you would like further information, please contact us. If you’re worried about a member of your workforce and not sure how to approach a difficult conversation around a health matter, Spectra HR are here to help….. Our consultants are experienced in supporting employers to raise awareness and deal with sensitive issues around mental health, neurodiversity, sickness, and wellbeing in the workplace.