Movember 2026: Why mental fitness belongs in your benefits package

When it comes to mental health, physical fitness and a balanced lifestyle play an important role.

Movember’s 2026 campaign, Men’s Mental Health. Let’s Talk About It, puts men’s mental health on the agenda. For HR teams, the practical question is what support sits behind that conversation.

Movember pairs talking with mental fitness: the everyday habits of looking after your mental health, such as moving more, sleeping well and staying connected to other people. The two go together. Talking is the aim and these habits help make it possible.

Talking at work is still hard

Benenden Health’s The Wake Up Call (2026) research found that 84% of HR leaders say men are less likely than women to discuss health concerns at work, and 86% have seen a male employee avoid seeking support until a health issue affected his work. Only 36% of employers have initiatives targeted at men’s health.

In a separate survey, 69% of men aged 30 to 55 said they would not take time off work to recover from a health issue.

Many men will not start with a conversation, so employers need routes into support that do not depend on one.

Why activity is a practical place to start

Activity is one of those routes, and it supports the same goal. NHS advice, Every Mind Matters: Be Active for Your Mental Health (2026), says regular physical activity releases feel-good hormones that can reduce anxiety and stress and help people sleep better and that group activities can ease loneliness. A class, a walking group or a team session gives colleagues time together without the pressure of a formal conversation. It does not replace professional support.

What UK employees want

Epassi UK’s Great Employee Benefits Study (2026) surveyed 1,000 UK employees and covers the whole workforce, not only men. 75% say fitness benefits matter when choosing an employer, yet only 41% have access to one.

Among those who use one, 89% say it improves their wellbeing and 84% say it makes them feel valued by their employer. Seven out of ten (71%) say mental health counselling would be relevant to them, the highest of five wellbeing benefits asked about.

Making activity work as mental health support

Employers can take five practical steps:

Offer variety and choice, such as strength training, classes, swimming and walking groups, so support meets the needs of a diverse workforce.
Make access easy, close to home and work, with time in the working day.
Make it affordable, with discounted access that removes cost as a barrier.
Pair activity with other support, such as manager training on starting a conversation and access to mental health counselling.
Ask employees what they would use, then track uptake and wellbeing.

Movember is right that men need to feel able to talk. Staying active will not do the talking, but it builds habits and creates shared time that can make talking easier.

If you or someone you know is struggling, Samaritans (116 123), CALM (0800 58 58 58) and NHS Every Mind Matters offer free support.