Mind have published research which showed that men are twice as likely to have mental health problems due to their job.
Mind surveyed 15,000 employees, of which 1,763 were currently experiencing poor mental health. The research breaks down gender differences in what men and women attributed to being the cause of poor mental health. One in three men in comparison to one in seven, considered their job to be a contributing factor to their poor mental health rather than problems outside of work. Whereas women considered both their job and problems outside of work contributing to poor mental health.
Emma Mamo, Head Of Workplace Wellbeing at mind, considers how the “macho” culture men can find themselves working in, may be a contributing factor but concerningly also preventing them from seeking help and support from their employer. Only one in three men felt their workplace had a culture where it was possible to speak about their mental health problems and only one in three men had taken time off for poor mental health.
Emma Mamo says “In the last few years, we’ve seen employers come on leaps and bounds when it comes to tackling stress and supporting the mental wellbeing of their staff, including those with a diagnosed mental health problem. However, there is more to do and employers do need to recognise the different approaches they may need to adopt in how they address mental health in the workplace”.She goes on to comment that “it is concerning that so many men find themselves unable to speak to their bosses about the impact that work is having on their wellbeing…. the majority of managers feel confident in supporting employees with mental health problems, but they can only offer extra support if they’re aware there is a problem”.
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