Tackling Men’s Mental Health Stigma in Corporate India

As workplaces evolve, the conversation around mental health has gained momentum. Yet, men’s mental health remains a topic shrouded in stigma, particularly in Indian corporate environments. Cultural expectations often discourage men from showing vulnerability, perpetuating silence around their struggles.

This International Men’s Day (November 19, 2024), let’s address the elephant in the room: how can organizations effectively tackle men’s mental health challenges and create safe, supportive work environments?

Why Men’s Mental Health is a Corporate Priority

1. The Burden of Expectations

Indian society often conditions men to be providers, suppress emotions, and “man up” during hardships. This culture of silence results in unaddressed mental health challenges, with 77% of working Indian men reporting workplace stress (LinkedIn, 2023).

2. The Cost of Ignoring the Issue

Ignoring men’s mental health doesn’t just affect employees—it impacts the bottom line. Studies show that mental health issues can lead to 21% lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher attrition rates.

3. Workplaces as Safe Spaces

Corporates have the power to normalize discussions on men’s mental health. A supportive work culture not only fosters employee loyalty but also boosts overall team morale.

Fact: In India, less than 10% of workplaces offer structured mental health support (NIMHANS, 2023). Are you one of them?

Common Challenges Men Face at Work

1. Burnout from Overwork

Men often feel the pressure to over-perform, leading to burnout. This is particularly common in industries like IT and finance, where 81% of employees report working overtime (TimesJobs, 2024).

2. Fear of Vulnerability

Men hesitate to share personal struggles, fearing it may be perceived as weakness, impacting their career growth.

3. Lack of Support Systems

While many companies offer wellness programs, they often focus on generic stress management rather than tailored support for men.

How Companies Can Break the Stigma

1. Foster a Culture of Openness

Normalize mental health discussions by organizing seminars and campaigns. Hearing male leaders talk openly about their experiences can inspire others to seek help.

2. Provide Professional Support

Invest in mental health resources, such as:

• Access to in-house or third-party counselors.
• Anonymous mental health helplines.
• Online therapy subscriptions.

3. Redesign Work Policies

• Implement mandatory wellness days.
• Encourage breaks to prevent burnout.
• Provide flexible working hours for work-life balance.

4. Engage Employees in Awareness Programs

Conduct interactive sessions focusing on issues like stress, parenting, financial anxiety, and emotional intelligence.

 Learn about WHO’s mental health strategies

Practical Steps for Male Employees to Manage Mental Health

1. Identify the Triggers

Encourage men to reflect on stressors and seek proactive solutions, whether it’s workload management or discussing issues with a supervisor.

2. Build Peer Support Groups

Promote informal groups where male employees can share experiences and strategies without fear of judgment.

3. Promote Physical Wellness

Physical activity is a proven stress-buster. Companies can organize yoga sessions, gym memberships, or walking challenges to support holistic wellness.

Success Stories: Indian Companies Leading the Change

1. Infosys’ Mental Health Initiative

Infosys offers free counseling sessions and awareness programs targeting stress and burnout.

2. Tata Steel’s Wellness Approach

Tata Steel runs a 24×7 mental health helpline and regular health check-ups for employees.

3. Wipro’s Employee Assistance Program

Wipro integrates professional counseling services into its wellness programs, promoting emotional well-being.

4. MyFitnessWallet’s CallThree App

CallThree integrates professional counseling services into organization’s wellness programs, promoting emotional well-being.

Long-Term Benefits of Addressing Men’s Mental Health

1. Increased Productivity

Mental health support leads to happier, more focused employees. Studies show that investing in wellness yields a 400% ROI through increased output and reduced absenteeism.

2. Reduced Turnover

Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay, reducing recruitment costs.

3. Enhanced Team Cohesion

A supportive work environment fosters collaboration and mutual respect, benefiting the organization as a whole.

Celebrating International Men’s Day 2024 in Your Office

1. Organize an Open Forum

Facilitate an informal discussion where male employees can voice concerns and share experiences without judgment. Our CallThree app provides a judgement-free non penalizing platform for this.

2. Conduct Wellness Challenges

Plan activities like mindfulness sessions, fitness contests, or journaling challenges tailored to men’s mental and physical health.

3. Recognize Male Role Models

Celebrate employees who promote wellness, inclusivity, and empathy, creating positive role models for others.

This write-up sheds light on realistic pain points, such as stress and stigma, offering actionable solutions tailored to Indian workplaces. Tackling men’s mental health is no longer optional—it’s essential for creating thriving, inclusive organizations.

Empowering Women at Work: Tips for Managing Health and Wellness

3 months ago by Priya Mittal 9 min read No comments

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