Employers are being urged to adopt more proactive and joined-up approaches to men’s health as new analysis highlights persistent inequalities, rising financial pressure and ongoing barriers to early intervention in the workplace.
This is according to findings from research into workplace health and wellbeing, based on wider analysis of UK workforce health outcomes by Howden.
It found that life expectancy for men in England is around four years lower than for women, at 79, while healthy life expectancy is 61.5 years, which means many men spend nearly two decades in poor health.
The report found that inequalities are more prevalent in poorer areas, with men who live there dying around 10 years earlier. This can be due to stress, long working hours, poor diet, social isolation and delays in seeking medical help, while financial pressures can contribute to disrupted sleep and burnout.
The research noted that men often won’t seek support early, ignore symptoms due to stigma and time pressures or concerns about work, which all lead to delayed GP visits.
It also notes that 70 per cent of men are overweight or obese, 36 per cent have hypertension and over a quarter drink alcohol excessively and the same number are physically inactive.
Employers are therefore being encouraged to move beyond awareness campaigns and focus on wellbeing strategies that are prevention led and improve access to healthcare.
Howden Employee Benefits UK wellbeing leader Emma Capper says: “This is a timely and important contribution to the conversation on workplace wellbeing. It highlights an often overlooked gap in how employers support men’s health, particularly around stigma, access, and tailored interventions. By encouraging organisations to rethink traditional approaches and create more inclusive, proactive support systems, the piece offers a valuable call to action for businesses committed to building healthier, more resilient workforces.”