Men’s Health Month: Prioritizing Wellness in the Workplace

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the health challenges men face and empower them to take charge of their well-being. At McPherson|Berry, we believe that fostering a healthy workforce is a cornerstone of success for corporations, non-profits, and small businesses. As HR professionals and CEOs, we have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change by supporting men’s health in the workplace. Let’s explore the sobering statistics, actionable strategies, and the business case for prioritizing male wellness.

The State of Men’s Health: Alarming Statistics

Men’s health disparities are stark and demand attention. Here are key statistics that underscore the urgency:

• Life Expectancy Gap: Men in the U.S. live, on average, 5.4 years less than women, with a life expectancy of 74.8 years compared to 80.2 for women (2022 data). Black, Indigenous, and rural men face even lower life expectancies.

  
  

• Chronic Diseases: Men are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. For example, 40% of African American men with heart disease die prematurely, nearly double the rate for White men (21%).

  
  

• Mental Health Crisis: Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, yet only 36% of therapy referrals involve men. Nine percent of men experience daily depression or anxiety, but just one in four seek professional help.

  
  

• Healthcare Avoidance: 21% of men avoid doctor visits due to fear of diagnosis, and 11.5% of men under 65 lack health insurance, limiting access to preventive care.

  
  

• Workplace Risks: Men account for 92% of workplace fatalities, often due to occupational hazards tied to traditionally male-dominated roles.

These numbers paint a clear picture: men face unique health challenges, exacerbated by societal norms around masculinity, reluctance to seek care, and systemic barriers. As HR leaders and CEOs, we can address these issues head-on.

Why Men’s Health Matters to Your Organization

A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Poor health outcomes for men translate into higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Conversely, investing in men’s health yields tangible benefits:

• Economic Impact: Supporting employee wellness can reduce healthcare costs and boost productivity. For instance, addressing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes through preventive care can prevent costly hospitalizations (e.g., $25,000 for a heart attack).

  
  

• Retention and Morale: Workplaces that prioritize well-being foster loyalty. 81% of men say workplace wellness programs make them feel valued.

  
  

• Inclusive Culture: By addressing men’s health, you signal that all employees’ needs matter, creating a more empathetic and equitable workplace.

Actionable Strategies for HR and CEOs

As HR professionals and small business CEOs, you can implement targeted initiatives to support men’s health. Here are practical steps to consider, tailored to corporations, non-profits, and small businesses:

Promote Preventive Health Screenings

Action: Partner with local healthcare providers to offer on-site screenings for prostate cancer, heart disease, and blood pressure. Subsidize costs for small businesses with limited budgets.

Why It Works: Early detection saves lives. Prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, affects 230,000 men annually, but screenings like PSA tests can catch it early.

Tip for Non-Profits/Small Businesses: Leverage community health fairs or free clinics to provide low-cost screenings.

Destigmatize Mental Health Support

Action: Offer confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with male-focused mental health resources. Host workshops with male speakers sharing personal stories to normalize seeking help.

Why It Works: Men are less likely to seek mental health care due to stigma. Creating safe spaces can reduce the suicide rate, which is four times higher for men.

Tip for Small Businesses: Use free platforms like alabama.crediblemind.com as a model for accessible mental health tools.

Foster a Wellness Culture

Action: Introduce wellness programs like gym memberships, yoga/Pilates classes, or step challenges. Highlight male role models (e.g., celebrities like LeBron James who embrace Pilates) to encourage participation.

Why It Works: Only 28.3% of men meet aerobic and strength exercise guidelines. Physical activity reduces risks of obesity (affecting over 60% of men) and cardiovascular disease.

Tip for Non-Profits: Partner with local gyms for discounted rates to make programs affordable.

Address Workplace Safety

Action: Conduct safety audits, especially in male-dominated roles like construction or manufacturing. Provide ergonomic training and protective gear to reduce injuries.

Why It Works: Men face 92% of workplace fatalities, often preventable with better safety protocols.

Tip for Corporations: Invest in training programs through McPherson Berry to upskill managers on safety best practices.

Encourage Open Dialogue

Action: Launch a Men’s Health Month campaign with #WearBlue events, lunch-and-learns, or social media posts featuring male employees’ health journeys. Share resources like BlueprintForMensHealth.com.

Why It Works: Over half of men don’t discuss health issues. Open conversations break the silence and build empathy.

Tip for Small Businesses: Use low-cost digital tools like Canva to create engaging campaign materials.

Tailor Benefits to Men’s Needs

Action: Review health plans to ensure coverage for male-specific issues like testosterone therapy or erectile dysfunction treatments. Offer flexible schedules for doctor visits.

Why It Works: Men’s clinics often focus on symptomatic relief rather than prevention. Comprehensive benefits encourage proactive care.

Tip for Corporations/Non-Profits: Advocate for gender-equitable health policies, as only Australia, Brazil, and Ireland have national male-centered health strategies.

A CEO’s Perspective: Leading by Example

As a CEO, your leadership sets the tone. By prioritizing men’s health, you demonstrate that employee well-being is a strategic priority. Here’s how to lead authentically:

Model Healthy Behavior: Share your own health journey, whether it’s getting a check-up or practicing mindfulness. Vulnerability inspires others.

Invest in Training: Partner with McPherson Berry to train HR teams and managers on fostering inclusive wellness programs. Our expertise in corporate and non-profit training ensures tailored solutions.

Advocate for Policy Change: Use your platform to push for equitable healthcare policies, especially for underserved groups like Black and Latino men, who face worse health outcomes.

Conclusion: Building a Healthier Future

Men’s Health Month is more than a campaign — it’s a call to action. By addressing men’s unique health needs, HR leaders and CEOs can create workplaces where men feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. At McPherson Berry, we’re committed to helping you with training, resources, and strategies to build a healthier workforce. Let’s close the empathy gap, reduce disparities, and make men’s health a priority this June and beyond.

Call to Action: Please visit mcphersonberry.com for our offerings and contact us here: https://www.mcphersonberry.com/contact