How workplaces can open up the conversation around men’s mental health

Key takeaways:

• 84% of employed men in the UK have hidden stress, burnout or mental health challenges at work[1]
• 46% of men feel that today’s pressures are at an all-time high[4]
• Vitality's Luke McClaran explains why mental health is a crucial issue for employers, and how open conversations can help.

The conversation around men’s mental health has shifted in recent years with public figures such as Prince William and Professor Green speaking openly about their own challenges.

While this has helped raise awareness and normalise conversations around mental health, low levels of mental wellbeing continue to be a challenge, particularly in the workplace.

Research supports this finding that 84% of employed men in the UK have hidden stress, burnout or mental health challenges at work to appear strong or professional[1].

Are men speaking up about mental health?

While workplace cultures continue to evolve – with greater emphasis on wellbeing and open communication – many men still struggle to open up about their mental health challenges.

In fact, 40% of men in the UK say they wouldn’t speak about their mental health with family, close friends or medical professionals[2]. Not wanting to burden others (36%) and fears of appearing weak (16%) were some of the barriers to speaking about their mental health[2].

"I think sometimes you feel like you should know all the answers or you have to be strong to be a man and not show any weakness that you are struggling with something or are feeling under pressure in a certain aspect of your life – whether at home or playing cricket," said Vitality Ambassador and cricket legend, Jos Buttler, in a previous men’s health roundtable hosted by broadcaster Simon Thomas.

"When I was a captain, it was like you couldn't show any weakness because everyone is looking to you for answers if the pressure comes on...That was a time I found very difficult to open up to anyone and share how I might have been feeling – and now with hindsight, I can honestly say I wish I had talked more openly about what I was feeling," he recalled.

For male employees with managerial responsibilities, Buttler's comments are likely to resonate, particularly for those in senior positions.

Unsurprisingly, 60% of men have hidden their mental health struggles from their employer[3]. 68% feared being seen as weak and 54% worried it could harm their career progression[3].

"Mental health doesn’t discriminate but stigma can"

Luke McClaran, Group Chief People Officer, Vitality 

Why mental health is a critical issue for employers

For employers, these findings point towards the crucial role workplaces can play in supporting open conversations around mental health. “Mental health doesn’t discriminate but stigma can,” explains Luke McClaran, Group Chief People Officer at Vitality.

“It's a critical issue for employers and people teams to consider in their workplace wellbeing support and it's crucial that we focus on encouraging men to speak up when they are experiencing mental wellbeing challenges,” McClaran explains.

With separate Vitality polling finding that 46% of men feel that today’s pressures are at an all-time high – and 28% admitting to feeling more overwhelmed than ever[4] – it’s a crucial time for employers to prioritise men's mental health.

"... when I'm speaking to men, often there are similar traits where they feel a little bit lost as to what their identity is and how they feel they can express themselves," explained Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, lifestyle GP and Head of Health Partnerships at parkrun.

Speaking on a previous roundtable alongside Buttler, Dr Hussain also said that there's often a "real struggle in terms of balancing all the plates – whether it's home life, work life, their own drive, expectations and wants".

"It's so important that men do consider and reflect on that because, all too often, when they come to see someone like me, it's right at the end of that journey. They're... [experiencing] burnout, struggling with mood, struggling with anxiety and it would be great if we can try to intervene a little sooner," he adds.

Employers are uniquely placed to provide support with open cultures and supportive conversations.

Why men’s health matters: in conversation with Joe Root, Jos Buttler & more

Last year, Sky Sports broadcaster Simon Thomas was joined by Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, Jos Buttler and Joe Root to discuss men’s health.

Drawing on their own experiences, the panel discussed the importance of opening up, exploring the shifting narrative around men’s health, and sharing ways to tackle stress.

Watch the full conversation below.

Creating a workplace culture where men feel safe to speak up

Given that line managers are often the first point of contact for direct reports, they can play a role in fostering an inclusive culture where staff feel comfortable speaking up.

Employers can equip line managers with the knowledge and training to help them spot signs that colleagues are struggling.

However, the responsibility shouldn’t solely rest with line managers so employers should have other avenues of support in place for their workforce.

Mental health first aiders, for example, are trained to spot the signs of poor mental health, can provide an open space for employees to speak and signpost colleagues towards professional help.

Regular wellbeing check-ins and storytelling from senior leaders – who are willing to speak up about their own challenges – can also help to open conversations.

Accessing counselling and mental health support at work

Employers could also look to provide expert support and resources for employees who are struggling with mental health.

For example, offering access to counselling through a workplace PMI scheme could give employees access to support that feels accessible and discreet.

With Vitality, members have options to access to Headspace, Wysa and Talking Therapies with our partners, as well as the dedicated children’s mental health pathway – for children and teens aged five up to 18 included on the plan – providing more accessible and convenient care at the right time.

“It’s critically important that we stay focused on supporting men’s mental health, and all areas of employee wellbeing, to ensure workforces have the help they need,” McClaran adds.

Better engagement, better health outcomes

For employers, giving staff access to mental health support and a workplace health and wellbeing programme that offers compelling benefits, can be transformative.

Britain's Healthiest Workplace data showed that employees with Vitality health insurance are 11% less likely to suffer from depression and 13% less likely to report low job satisfaction[5].

Best of all, the improved health metrics of employees with Vitality health insurance equate to 2.5 additional days of productive time per employee per year[5]*.

[1] Eight in 10 men hide mental health struggles at work, HR and Benefits, October 2026
[2] Men’s mental health: 40% of men won’t talk to anyone about their mental health, Priory Group
[3] The silent struggle: 1 in 3 men report no mental health support at work, Instantprint, September 2025
[4] Men under more pressure than ever, Hippocraticpost.com, November 2025
[5] 10 years of Britain's Healthiest Workplace: The changing face of the UK at work, 2025

* Comparison of employee responses at employers with Vitality health insurance, and employers offering PMI through other insurers.

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