The Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Men in the Workplace

As workplaces continue to evolve, mental health has rightly become a central part of wellbeing discussions. We often speak about balance, resilience, and support, yet for many men, actually opening up about how they feel can still be incredibly difficult.

There can be a quiet expectation to “stay strong” or “hold it together,” even when things feel overwhelming. When feelings stay bottled up, it affects not only personal wellbeing but also how we show up in our work, our relationships, and our daily lives.

Why it matters

• Challenging societal expectations that discourage men from expressing stress or emotion is essential to supporting emotional wellbeing, reducing stigma, and enabling more authentic human connection.
• When mental strain goes unspoken, it can impact confidence, engagement, decision-making, and long-term health.
• Normalising open conversations helps create a culture where seeking support is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
• A supportive workplace environment builds trust, psychological safety, and stronger collaboration across teams.
• Mental health awareness is a shared responsibility, and fostering it ensures everyone feels acknowledged, respected, and valued.

By encouraging open dialogue and ensuring that resources and support are easily accessible, we can help break down barriers that prevent men from speaking openly about their mental health.

Supporting mental health at Belasko

At Belasko, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our people, across all genders and locations, is an essential part of our culture. We recognise that our strength lies in our people, and that means creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

We have a number of trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) across our offices, equipped to offer early support, listen without judgement, and signpost colleagues to professional help if needed. Our partnership with AXA Healthcare’s Mind Health Service also provides quick access to qualified mental health professionals and tailored therapies for stress, anxiety, or low mood.

Creating environments where individuals feel safe to share their experiences benefits not just those who seek help, but the wider workplace culture. It enables teams to thrive on compassion, understanding, and mutual respect.

Let’s continue to build a workplace where support is normal, wellbeing is prioritised, and everyone is empowered to show up as their whole self.

Article by Saran Thanasekaran.