As part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we spoke with James Marsh, our People Director, to discuss the importance of addressing men’s health—both mental and physical—and the role employers can play in creating an environment where men feel comfortable seeking help.
Why is it important to address men’s health?
James: "Having worked in Human Resources for about 18 years, I’ve supported employees of all genders through health challenges. However, when it comes to supporting men, one common difficulty is their reluctance to ask for help. Unfortunately, as employers, we’re often only made aware of their struggles once they’re quite far along in their ill-health journey, meaning we miss opportunities to offer timely support, guidance, or reasonable adjustments to help them at work."
Why do you think men hesitate to seek help for mental or physical health concerns?
James: "I believe the traditional ‘macho’ mentality still has a significant impact. Men are often expected to be strong and avoid showing vulnerability, which makes it difficult for them to talk openly about personal issues, especially those that may be embarrassing. In my experience, once men do open up, they often feel relieved and wish they had spoken out sooner. Talking about struggles doesn’t carry the weight they imagined."
How can employers foster an environment where men feel comfortable discussing their health challenges?
James: "It’s crucial to create a culture where employees feel safe to discuss their feelings and challenges. Line managers play a key role in this by fostering open communication within their teams. Managers need to be comfortable having potentially awkward or sensitive conversations about health and wellbeing. It’s part of being a good manager—building effective, trusting relationships where people feel supported. We, as leaders, rely on the wellbeing of those around us. If our people are fit and healthy, they can perform at their best."
Has there been an experience that shaped your views on men’s mental or physical health?
James: "I’ve had my own mental health struggles in the past. After finishing university, I found that the life and career I had expected didn’t just fall into place. We all face different challenges at various stages, and it’s important to acknowledge that a significant proportion of the population deals with mental health issues at some point. Since we spend so much time at work, we should be surrounded by people who care about our welfare, not just our performance."
As a leader, how do you balance your mental health with the demands of your role? What advice would you give to other men in leadership?
James: "Leadership comes with its own pressures, but it’s vital to reflect on what keeps you well and what negatively impacts your wellbeing. I believe showing vulnerability as a leader is important—it helps break down the stigma and allows others to feel more comfortable opening up. If you’ve had personal experiences with mental health struggles, talking about them can make a difference."
What advice would you give to men hesitant to talk about their health or seek help?
James: "The first step is asking for help, whether that’s from friends, family, colleagues, or a medical professional. It’s often the hardest step, but one that can make a world of difference. Sadly, too many men wait until it’s too late to seek support."
Have you had any experiences that inspired you to take men’s health more seriously?
James: "Unfortunately, in my role, I’ve had to support teams after a colleague has taken their own life. These tragic situations leave colleagues and managers feeling lost, wondering what more they could have done. One of the hardest moments in my career was visiting the parents of a young male employee who had taken his own life. It’s an experience I hope to never repeat."
How do you maintain good mental and physical health in your own life?
James: "For me, maintaining a good work-life balance is key. We work to live, not live to work. While work is important, it’s crucial to prioritise health and happiness above all else. Spend time doing things you enjoy, and be mindful of when things are becoming overwhelming. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help."
This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s all take a moment to reflect on how we can support the men in our lives—whether that’s at work, at home, or within our communities. By creating environments where men feel safe to speak openly about their struggles, we can help break down the barriers that prevent them from seeking help. #PhoenixCommunity