Marked in the middle of June every year, Men’s Health Week is an important opportunity to highlight, promote and support the health and wellbeing of Australia’s men and boys.
The theme of the 2022 Men’s Health Week is building healthy environments for men and boys. Focusing on ensuring and creating healthy environments physically and emotionally in the home, workplace and social settings.
Whether we are men or women, we can all play a part in supporting the health and wellbeing of men in our families, workplaces and communities, and by improving the health and wellbeing of Australia’s men of all ages and from all walks of life, we can ensure a healthier, happier and stronger society in the future.
Learn more about men’s health here. Download our fact sheet here.
Helping our men and boys
Whether we are men or women, we all have a role in supporting the health and wellbeing of men in our families, workplaces and communities.
We can start by looking out for our fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, mates and colleagues.
An important first step is to be open in talking about both physical and mental ill-health. Removing stigma is essential.
Talk to your mates and don’t be afraid to have tough conversations if it looks like someone you know is struggling. If you yourself are struggling, get help – talk to someone you trust, go to a GP or speak to a counsellor. Access OzHelp services through your workplace, or find out more about what we provide.
By improving the health and wellbeing of Australia’s men and boys of all ages and from all walks of life, we can ensure a healthier, happier and stronger society in the future.
Six Tips for Creating a Healthier Workplace Environment
Offer relevant and pointed health information and services to optimise health and wellbeing
- Promoting and offering workplace programs and initiatives that provide relevant and pointed health information and accessible services to support the general health and mental health of their employees, such as preventative health checks at work, to empower men to optimise their health and wellbeing.
- Click here to find out what services and programs OzHelp can offer for your workplace.
Create a safe workplace environment that promotes open and supportive communication
- Establish an environment where workers feel a strong sense of psychological safety and trust by creating open and transparent dialogue within the workplace. By creating this type of environment, workers are more likely to speak up about issues affecting their mental and physical health.
Encourage professional development and career progression opportunities
- Keep employee spirits high by rewarding and recognising efforts, offering opportunities for professional development and provide clear career pathways.
Promote and make efforts to support health and wellbeing in the workplace
- Offer genuine opportunities for the promotion of health and wellbeing at work, such as work-related stretches, providing access to healthy food and drink choices or providing or encouraging physical activity over lunch breaks.
Promote the benefits of reduced alcohol consumption
- Promote the health benefits of a reduction in consumption of alcohol such as organising social activities that don’t involve alcohol or ensuring alcohol-free options are always available, educating employees on safe alcohol consumption and providing information on services for staff concerned about their own or a loved ones’ alcohol use.
Encourage workers to use their leave and practice self-care
- Encourage employees to use their leave, help them define clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid the ‘always-on’ culture and promote a work-life balance.
Need to talk to someone? Are you worried about someone you know
Building and Construction workers and their families can access free support by calling
OzHelp on 1300 694 357 (available 24/7).
For 24/7 crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
You may also find it helpful to talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.