Employers must recognize the importance of tailored health interventions for men, according to Dr. Naveen Puri, Medical Director at Bupa.
In the UK, men experience a life expectancy gap, living an average of four years less than women. Contributing to this disparity, men are disproportionately affected by conditions like heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and certain cancers, with 15 men dying prematurely every hour. Early intervention and proactive healthcare support are essential for improving these outcomes.
The Need for Proactive Health Support
Men are often less likely to address health concerns, whether mental or physical. Effective communication and health messaging can play a pivotal role in encouraging men to seek help. For example, after Sir Chris Hoy’s announcement of his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis, NHS website searches for prostate cancer symptoms surged by 672% in just two days.
As highlighted by an extensive review in the British Medical Journal, there is a compelling case for employers to actively engage in employee health and wellbeing initiatives. The benefits for organizations include increased productivity, reduced sickness-related absenteeism, better employee retention, and stronger overall resilience.
Corporate Benefits and Employee Wellbeing
More businesses are recognizing that offering comprehensive healthcare packages not only attracts top talent but also retains it. According to recent research from global consultancy Mercer, improving benefits to enhance recruitment and retention (72%) and expanding access to behavioral healthcare (66%) are key priorities for companies with over 500 employees.
Dr. Naveen Puri emphasizes the strategic importance of addressing men’s health needs. “Investing in targeted health support for men can significantly impact productivity, employee engagement, and retention,” he explains. “Providing tailored health services that meet the specific needs of male employees should be a top priority.”
Breaking the Silence Around Men’s Health
Cultural and social barriers often prevent men from openly discussing their health concerns. Shifting societal norms and encouraging a strength-based, positive approach to masculinity could help engage more men in health conversations. A parliamentary report on men’s health suggests that aligning health initiatives with masculine identities could foster greater openness.
Dr. Puri adds, “Bupa offers valuable resources and expertise to help organizations meet this challenge, ensuring that male employees receive the necessary support for their health and wellbeing.”
For more insights on how the silent crisis in men’s health is impacting the workforce and what employers can do to support their staff, Bupa’s recent Health Horizons event offers detailed guidance on addressing this issue.
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