Rethinking men’s mental health at work
For decades, society told men to "man up", bottle up emotions, and power through mental strain. But the reality? This pressure to stay silent is silently harming men at work.
Men face burnout, anxiety, and depression, just like anyone else. But they are less likely to speak up, seek therapy, or even admit they’re struggling. As HR leaders, it’s time we rewrite the narrative.
Why men’s mental health needs Our attention
- 72% of suicides in India were by men in 2022.
- Men are less likely than women to seek mental health support.
- Mental health challenges lead to absenteeism, disengagement, and higher attrition.
- A stigma-free workplace enhances retention, trust, and employee performance.
Men’s mental health policy template
Use this ready-to-adapt template from Pazcare to drive meaningful change.
Purpose: To provide a structured and stigma-free approach to supporting men’s mental health at work.
Scope: Applies to all employees assigned male at birth, including those experiencing mental health challenges like stress, depression, anxiety, grief, and burnout.
Leave entitlement: Up to [X] paid working days per year for mental health concerns. Can be taken as a block or in intervals. Additional unpaid leave may be offered as needed.
Note: At Pazcare, we recommend at least 5 paid days, with flexible extensions.
Booking process:
- Book through the HRIS system under “mental health” or “other”.
- Confidentiality is guaranteed.
- A provider’s note or consultation confirmation may be requested (no formal diagnosis required).
Support access:
- Speak with HR, your manager, or the People team.
- Access free or subsidised therapy via EAP.
- Use Pazcare’s licensed teleconsultations and wellness tools.
- Join confidential peer sessions or stress management programs.
Awareness & training:
- Train managers to identify and respond to mental health needs.
- Organize workshops, mental health days, and open dialogue forums.
Policy integration
- This policy complements general sick leave, disability, and wellness benefits.
- Must be included in onboarding, internal handbooks, and employee portals.
Confidentiality: All conversations and records are kept strictly confidential. Only HR and direct managers (when necessary) are involved.
Review cycle: Policy should be reviewed annually or after changes in laws, data, or employee feedback.
Disclaimer: This blog and the included Men’s mental health policy template are provided by Pazcare for general informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. Organizations should consult with their legal counsel, healthcare professionals, and internal HR teams to ensure that any workplace policy complies with applicable laws and is tailored to their specific workforce needs and context.
Pazcare goes beyond checklists to help you build a culture of care with accessible, confidential, and data-backed support systems
At Pazcare, we understand that addressing mental health in the workplace isn’t just about drafting policies, it’s about enabling access, encouraging conversations, and making support feel personal and stigma-free. That’s why our approach blends benefits, tools, and training into a single, cohesive framework tailored for real organizational impact.
Also, read our blog on how companies can contribute to employee mental health solutions for HR professionals
Here’s how Pazcare helps you build a mentally healthier workplace:
- Mental health coverage under group insurance.
- Free teleconsultations with licensed therapists.
- Access to digital wellness tools and confidential support.
- Manager training on early identification and stigma reduction.
- HR analytics to monitor benefit adoption and improve well-being programs.
Key takeaway: Supporting men’s mental health at work is both a business and cultural imperative because men’s mental health matters too. When men feel safe, seen, and supported, they are not afraid to say, “We do care, and we can be emotional too, while still being a man, despite everything else.”
Final thoughts & call to action
Men’s mental health is everyone’s business, and HR is at the front line of change. By implementing a structured, inclusive, and stigma-free mental health policy, you not only protect your people, you strengthen your organization.
Ready to Take Action?
Let Pazcare help you launch a mental health strategy that works, backed by policy templates, licensed care access, and real-world support.
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Download Men's Mental Health Template