Not a single UK organisation has a standalone men’s health policy, which experts have said highlights a significant gap in workplace wellbeing.
The finding was published as the government prepares England’s first‑ever Men’s Health Strategy.
The absence of standalone men’s health policies was revealed in a study by Brightmine covering 74 organisations representing almost 120,000 employees.
It found that while 69 percent of employers run at least one initiative to support men’s health, fewer than one in five reported meaningful engagement from male staff. Just 12 percent of employers said they felt they were doing enough, while only 8.1 percent included men’s health within another wellbeing policy. In addition, just 17.6 percent said they had seen “reasonable” uptake of the initiatives for men they do offer.
The study also highlighted significant barriers to greater support for men’s heath. Fewer than half of line managers (40.5 percent) are deemed to be adequately equipped to support male staff with health concerns, with employers citing competing business priorities, limited resources, and cultural stigma as the main obstacles.
Stephen Simpson, principal editor at Brightmine, warned that this lack of progress risks leaving male employees behind. He said: “While mental health and menopause support have gained traction in recent years, men’s health continues to lag behind. While the government call for evidence closed on 17 July, the conversation in workplaces can’t stop. If employers want to be serious about inclusive wellbeing, they need to put men’s health on the agenda.”
Brightmine urged employers to take action by developing policies and being clearer about their position on men’s health. The provider also called for better training for line managers and mental health first aiders, the set up of more forums and peer groups to normalise open conversations, and more “low-lift activities” that encourage informal support, from webinars to walk-and-talks.
