How does masculinity in the workplace impact men’s mental health?
Different genders experience mental health and mental health problems differently – and men are less likely to get help or support, more likely to die by suicide, more likely to go missing, sleep rough, develop an alcohol and/or drugs dependency, and have their experiences go unrecognised and unacknowledged.
Why is it that men feel compelled to hide their mental health and often lack the resources to recognise the problems in themselves? Societal norms and bias enforce an idea of masculinity that serves as the largest barrier to men’s mental wellbeing.
Traditional masculinity in the workplace
Masculinity, as it is important to note, does not equal ‘men’. It is a part of the traditional role of the male gender, which attempts to dictate our behaviours, appearances, what we should and shouldn’t do, and our expectations of others and ourselves.
Usually driven by such values as competitiveness, strength, rationality, toughness, and emotional restraint, it forms a barrier making it difficult for men to acknowledge and seek help for their mental health.
These values are taught from a young age and reinforced through school and professional environments. If we take a look at an average job description and put the requirements into perspective, we can see that a lot of them, such as the ability to work under pressure, efficiency, independence, and assertiveness, all stem from the aforementioned masculine values. That can lead to masculinity in the workplace almost being a prerequisite for anyone joining the organisation.
While in and of themselves these values are not bad, and in fact are highly desirable and important to individual and organisational success, the problem arises when they are separated from and elevated above others. When such attributes as inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and deep listening are overlooked and even dismissed in favour of the solely masculine values it creates a culture that rewards those – mostly men – who have already been socialised towards this and often leads to a hierarchical, gender segregated, male dominated, and discriminatory environment.
In addition to creating an unfriendly environment for others, it also enforces circumstances where experiencing and ‘admitting’ to mental health issues is perceived to and could have an adverse effect on one’s status, relationships, position, and other factors that traditional masculinity in the workplace values above all.
How and what to change
Addressing these issues requires a cultural shift around what it means to be a man in a professional setting. Our view of masculinity in the workplace needs to evolve to encompass emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and mental resilience as indispensable components of success and leadership.
Such initiatives as:
- Leaders exemplifying vulnerability, openness, and understanding,
- Mental health initiatives that encourage mentorship and championing,
- EAPs and other resources that can be accessed privately and shared with others,
- Spaces free of judgement, where men can be sure seeking help will be encouraged and met with support and will not carry any adverse repercussions,
are fundamental in moving away from toxic masculinity and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
What lies beyond awareness
Raising awareness is a powerful tool that has can perform well in relevant circumstances, however when it comes to men’s mental health more meaningful changes are needed. A new direction that resonates with men and helps dismantle stigma needs to be established. This can include redefining leadership expectation – normalising the conversation around men’s mental health and establishing tailored wellbeing programmes – addressing specifically men’s challenges and providing safe spaces.
Unlike many, for men the first step towards a better mental wellbeing is recognising that anyone can be affected by mental health issues and admitting that and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather that of strength. Being proactive in seeking out peer support, mental health and wellbeing courses – whether for self-help or for supporting others – and talking to friends and loved ones can be difficult to initiate, but it forms a barrier-breaking shift towards breaking silence.
In an environment where masculinity is not toxic and not confined to traditional stereotypes, men can build a road to mental health without fear. While these changes take time and will not happen overnight, without that first step there will be no change at all. This evolution is well established to lead to better organisational success, more productivity, less turnover, and an overall healthier and happier workforce.