Men’s Health Week
Men’s Health Week
Men’s Health Week (15-21 June) encourages organisations to shine a spotlight on the physical and mental wellbeing of men. It’s an important opportunity, especially in Ireland and Northern Ireland where men experience poorer health outcomes, higher mortality rates and lower help‑seeking behaviours, compared with women.
Workplaces play a crucial role. With men making up over 67.8% of the Irish workforce and spending an average of nearly 40 hours per week at work, employers have a unique opportunity to support men’s health in meaningful ways.
Why Men’s Health Week matters
Men face higher health risks
Men in Ireland continue to have a 3.6‑year lower life expectancy than women (80.5 vs. 84.1).
Mental health pressures remain high
In Northern Ireland, three out of four suicide deaths are male, and men self‑harm at nearly double the rate of men in the Republic.
Men are less likely to seek help
Men are significantly less likely than women to engage in preventive health behaviours, screenings, or routine check‑ups.
What can workplaces do?
01. Promote awareness through campaigns and hosting information sessions
Share bite-sized health facts via email, posters, or intranet channels.
02. Offer on‑site or virtual health checks
WHO recognises workplace programmes as a powerful tool to prevent chronic disease and support mental health. Organise blood pressure checks, BMI assessments, and heart‑health screenings. Promote GP check‑ups and cancer screening reminders.
03. Create safe spaces for men to talk
Run mental health workshops or peer‑support drop‑ins. Invite speakers from local charities or lived‑experience advocates.
04. Support physical activity
Men often work in physically demanding sectors or roles yet many still face high levels of obesity. Consider introducing step challenges or team walking groups, lunchtime fitness classes, desk‑friendly stretching sessions, and cycle‑to‑work promotions.
05. Encourage healthy lifestyle goals
HSC/HSE guidance encourages men to set “simple, realistic and practical tactics” to improve wellbeing. Employers can promote alcohol‑reduction campaigns, share healthy meal ideas, offer smoking cessation support, and provide guidance on managing stress and improving sleep.
06. Spotlight positive role models
Share stories from male employees, leaders, or internal networks discussing wellbeing, help‑seeking, or lifestyle changes. This helps reduce stigma and boosts engagement.
07. Collaborate with local groups
Consider partnering with community health organisations, local gyms and sporting clubs, and men’s support groups (eg Men’s Sheds).
With strong evidence showing that workplace programmes significantly influence long-term health outcomes, organisations can make a real difference in tackling the inequalities men face.