Top ways of supporting men’s health at work
It’s not widely know that although men see doctors less than women, they actually suffer more illnesses. And while women take sick leave more frequently, men have longer periods off work.
When your male colleagues are not feeling well at work, it can affect their productivity as they could be struggling with debilitating symptoms. By giving them the support they need, you could help reduce their sick days, ultimately benefitting your business too.
Get to know more about men’s health
Men can suffer from a wide range of health problems. Some are due to hormones and anatomy, others are down to lifestyle choices. These issues will also affect some of your trans and non-binary employees, so always try and be as inclusive as possible in your approach.
Testicular cancer – the signs
Testicular cancer is most common between the ages of 30 and 34. One in 215 men will get it in their lifetime, which means some of your workforce are at risk. Unfortunately, there are no preventative measures, so it’s important for you to help your employees be aware of the symptoms and be there for them if they have health worries.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is a great way for you to promote the issue at work. However, rather than leave it to one month a year, provide regular articles so employees know the signs to look for. Incorporating easy access to clinical care into your benefits package is also a good way for your male employees to know you’re supporting them.
Beating prostate cancer
One in eight men will get prostate cancer but, like testicular cancer, there are no preventative measures. But it is one of the most curable forms of cancer, especially if detected early.
Many men won’t know the signs, so it’s important to educate your workforce about everything from survival rate facts to how to treat it successfully.
Dealing with diabetes
Research shows that men are at a higher risk of developing diabetes with less weight gain than women. In fact, a woman could have a waist circumference five times that of a man’s before developing it.
These are the signs to look out for:
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Frequent and increased urination
- Increased urination at night
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and sores that don’t heal
- Excessive weight loss before diagnosis
Erectile dysfunction and genital thrush are also common signs; however men may not make the link between this and diabetes.
Due to a lack of education or embarrassment, men often don’t seek help and the longer the condition is left, the worse it will get. That’s why it's so important to provide educational resources on all the symptoms of diabetes – virtual access to booking GP appointments will mean they can be diagnosed and get treatment sooner.
Preventing coronary heart disease
A healthy heart is a happy one, but four million men around the world live with heart disease. They get it younger than women and it’s more likely to kill them.
The risk of developing heart disease is increased if you:
- Smoke
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Are physically inactive
- Have diabetes
- Are obese
Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices is key. So, if employees want to quit smoking, eat better and become more active, you can support them every step of the way.
By creating fitness and health drives or fundraising events, as well as day-to-day articles and guides, you can help your employees make sure their health is always at its best.
A good health and wellbeing app offers men useful resources, as well as personalised content at their fingertips.
Mental health issues
Men often find it hard to talk about their health and find other ways of trying to cope with their health issues such as drinking too much, which is why liver disease is so common in men. Substance abuse can also have a detrimental effect on health and work life.
In 2021, three-quarters of suicides were by men and men aged 45-64 have had the highest rate of suicide since 2010. That’s why it is always important to be honest and open with staff – just checking in with them every now and then can make a big difference.
Your male employees may rather talk to a counsellor or helpline than you, so always offer this in your wellbeing package.
Take the first steps to better men’s health
Around half of your workforce are men, so you don't want them to be suffering in silence as this will affect both their home life and work life.
HealthHero’s Symbio is a holistic health and wellbeing solution that offers streaming content dealing with men’s issues. And, with virtual access to GP appointments and mental health practictioners, diagnosis and treatment has never been easier.
In partnership with HealthHero
HealthHero's a digital health provider that brings together human expertise and digital convenience.
