THE ELITE CAREER BLOG

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Men’s Mental Health at Work 

the words Addressing mens mental health at work are superimposed over a silhouette of a man with his head in his hands

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Men's Mental Health at Work

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 42 per cent of men will experience a mental health disorder in their lives. Yet, for many men, the stigma surrounding mental health makes it difficult to seek help or even talk about it. This challenge is especially evident in workplaces, where traditional ideas of masculinity often reinforce the need to “soldier on” and suppress emotions. For men in leadership roles, or those feeling the pressure to provide for their families, these challenges can feel even more pronounced.

 

Professional identity is deeply tied to a sense of purpose and self-worth for many men. While work can be a source of pride and validation, it can also serve as a way to mask or avoid deeper struggles. For men in public sector roles, navigating organisational change, restructure, or redundancy adds another layer of complexity to the mental health conversation.

 

At The Elite Collective, we’ve seen this first-hand. Through our work supporting senior leaders and public sector professionals with career transitions via outplacement services, and resume writing, we’ve had meaningful conversations about the intersection of mental health and work for both men and women. 

 

This blog explores the challenges men face in addressing mental health and the steps we can all take to create more supportive workplaces and communities.

The Dual Role of Work in Men’s Mental Health

Work plays a complex role in mental health for many men. On one hand, it provides structure, stability, and a sense of achievement. For those navigating personal challenges, work can offer a welcome distraction or a chance to regain confidence through professional success.

 

However, this reliance on work as a coping mechanism comes with risks. Over time, using work to escape emotional struggles can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and unresolved mental health issues. Recognising this duality is the first step in creating healthier, more balanced approaches to wellbeing.

Challenges Men Face in Addressing Mental Health

  1. Societal Expectations and Stigma

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 42 per cent of men will experience a mental health disorder in their lives. These men are our partners, family members, friends, and colleagues. Yet, traditional ideas of masculinity often encourage men to “tough it out,” making it difficult for them to openly discuss their struggles.

 

  1. Fear of Judgment in the Workplace

Many men worry that admitting to mental health challenges could negatively impact their careers or professional reputations, creating a barrier to seeking help. This fear is particularly pronounced in roles where high performance and reliability are expected. For example, an EL2 might hesitate to access mental health support, concerned that doing so could lead colleagues or supervisors to perceive him as unable to manage the demands of his role. These concerns can prevent men from reaching out, even when resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are available.

 

  1. Lack of Workplace Policies

Although workplaces are improving, there is progress being made, particularly in the APS, with recent changes to parental leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements demonstrating a more supportive approach. In 2024, the federal government updated a 50-year-old entitlement to provide more equitable parental leave. Changes include an increase to 18 weeks of paid parental leave for both caregivers, set to be fully implemented by the end of APS agency enterprise agreements. This reform acknowledges the diverse caregiving roles men and women take on and encourages greater flexibility in balancing work and family commitments, which can help alleviate the pressures often felt by men to provide financially at the expense of personal wellbeing.

Practical Steps for Workplaces

Many workplaces are improving their efforts in this space, and still there are many who lack proactive strategies to normalise mental health discussions and provide effective support. Isolated efforts by good leaders, though commendable, cannot create lasting change without being part of a broader cultural shift. To foster a culture that prioritises mental health, workplaces need cohesive strategies that go beyond isolated policies or individual leadership efforts.

 

Here are some practical actions workplaces can take:

  1. Normalise Mental Health ConversationsIntegrate mental health discussions into everyday workplace culture. Host regular awareness campaigns, provide training on mental health literacy, and encourage open dialogue in meetings to reduce stigma.
  2. Strengthen Leadership Engagement
    Equip managers and leaders with the tools to identify signs of mental health struggles and respond compassionately. Provide leadership training focused on empathy, vulnerability, and communication around mental health.
  3. Make EAPs Accessible and Visible
    Ensure employees are aware of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and how to access them. Regularly remind staff of the availability of free and confidential counselling services.
  4. Measure and Evolve Initiatives
    Collect feedback from employees through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one conversations to assess the effectiveness of mental health initiatives. Use this feedback to continuously refine and improve your strategies.
  5. Normalise Mental Health Conversations
    Integrate mental health discussions into everyday workplace culture. Host regular awareness campaigns, provide training on mental health literacy, and encourage open dialogue in meetings to reduce stigma.
  6. Strengthen Leadership Engagement
    Equip managers and leaders with the tools to identify signs of mental health struggles and respond compassionately. Provide leadership training focused on empathy, vulnerability, and communication around mental health.
  7. Make EAPs Accessible and Visible
    Ensure employees are aware of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and how to access them. Regularly remind staff of the availability of free and confidential counselling services.
  8. Measure and Evolve Initiatives
    Collect feedback from employees through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one conversations to assess the effectiveness of mental health initiatives. Use this feedback to continuously refine and improve your strategies.

 

 

Practical Steps for Managers and Leaders in the APS

Managers and leaders play a vital role in fostering a workplace environment that supports men’s mental health. Here are some practical steps APS leaders can take to make a meaningful difference:

 

  1. Incorporate “Walk and Talk” Meetings
    Traditional face-to-face meetings can feel intimidating when discussing sensitive topics. Instead, consider “walk and talk” meetings or informal check-ins while moving. This side-by-side approach creates a more relaxed atmosphere, making it easier for men to open up about their challenges.
  2. Encourage Peer Support Networks
    Create opportunities for team members to connect informally, such as mentoring programs, lunch-and-learn sessions, or group wellness initiatives. These peer-based interactions can foster stronger relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
  3. Prioritise Regular Mental Health Check-Ins
    Make mental health a recurring topic in one-on-one meetings or team discussions. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you managing everything right now?” or “Is there anything you need more support with?” These small actions demonstrate that you value your team’s wellbeing.
  4. Promote and Destigmatise EAP Resources
    Actively encourage the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) by discussing them in team meetings or sharing personal testimonials of how these programs can be helpful. Normalising EAP use helps reduce stigma around accessing mental health support.
  5. Partner with Career Transition Experts During Organisational Change
    Times of organisational restructure and redundancy are particularly challenging for men, especially when professional identity is tied to their sense of purpose and self-worth. Offering career transition services, like those provided by The Elite Collective, can make a significant difference. Resume support, career coaching, and interview preparation equip employees with the tools to rebuild confidence, navigate job loss, and reduce the mental health impact of redundancy. If you’re leading through a change like this, providing these resources demonstrates your commitment to employees’ futures and overall wellbeing.

Practical Steps for Individuals

While workplace policies and strong leaders play a crucial role in supporting men’s mental health at work, individuals must also take proactive steps to support their mental health.

 

Here are some practical actions to consider:

  1. Reflect on the Role of Work
    Take a moment to assess whether work is positively contributing to your overall wellbeing, if it’s the main cause of your stress, or if you’re using it as a tool to distract you from deeper issues. Identifying this dynamic can help you make better decisions about how to approach your professional responsibilities. We recommend completing the Demartini Values Determination exercise found here.
    We’ve also heard from many clients that our career coaching services have been incredibly helpful in sifting through conflicting emotions and goals, to give more clarity and rationalise decision making. 
  2. Manage Your Workload
    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, recognise that your capacity may be affected, and this can impact your professional performance. Have open conversations with your manager or peers about adjusting your workload to ensure it’s manageable during stressful periods.
  3. Know Your Leave and EAP Options
    Familiarise yourself with your organisation’s leave policies and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Knowing when and how you can access mental health support or take leave is essential to protecting your wellbeing.
  4. Take Advantage of Flexible Work Policies
    If your organisation offers flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, consider how these options can help you manage stress and balance your responsibilities more effectively. Flexibility can be a critical tool for maintaining mental health.
  5. Engage in Honest Conversations
    Share your experiences with trusted friends, family, or colleagues. Speaking openly about what you’re going through can reduce isolation, foster stronger relationships, and even inspire others to do the same.

Final Thoughts

Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, stoic men—fathers, uncles, and community members who rarely spoke about their struggles. When I met and married my husband, who was serving in the Royal Australian Air Force, I began to see firsthand the toll that silence about mental health could take. Back then, mental health wasn’t a common topic of conversation, but the challenges were there—real and often hidden.

Over the years, we’ve seen both sides of the story. We’ve witnessed incredible bravery as men and women found the courage to speak up and access the support they needed, often turning what could have been a crisis into a turning point for their health and wellbeing. We’ve also seen the devastating consequences when people felt unable to reach out—consequences that ripple out to families, friends, and entire communities.

That’s why we’re talking about this. That’s why it matters so much. Every conversation about mental health has the potential to make a difference. Whether it’s asking a mate if they’re okay, normalising these discussions in workplaces, or taking steps to look after yourself, each small action helps chip away at the stigma and build a culture of care.

What Next?

If this topic resonates with you and you’d like to explore it further, we recommend listening to Episode #122 of the Work with Purpose podcast, Lifting the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health at Work. This episode offers a broader perspective on how workplaces can address stigma and create supportive environments for men’s mental health. You can listen to the episode here to gain additional insights and inspiration.

 

At The Elite Collective, we specialise in supporting senior leaders and public sector professionals through every stage of their career journey. We’ve partnered with federal agencies to provide career transition and outplacement support that goes beyond the basics. Our tailored services empower individuals to navigate career changes with confidence while helping organisations create supportive environments during times of transition. 

 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner with you to help your organisation better support employees through organisational change, ensuring they feel valued and equipped for the next chapter of their careers.

 

If this topic raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is always available. Please contact:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Additional resources:

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