006: International Men's Health Week: Championing Wellbeing and Redefining Masculinity in Engineering

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As we celebrate International Men's Health Week from 10th to 16th June, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the multifaceted aspects of men's health and wellbeing. This week serves as a reminder for us to Share, Act, Feel and Empower —tenets that are fundamental to The SAFE Leader and the ongoing dialogue around masculinity in engineering.

Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in Engineering

Engineering, like many technical fields, has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, often characterised by a culture that prizes toughness and stoicism. This has led to a pervasive stigma around mental health issues, where expressing vulnerability is frequently seen as a sign of weakness. Our research on Masculinity in Engineering highlights the significant impact this stigma has on men's mental health within the industry.

It's imperative to challenge these outdated norms. Sharing experiences and struggles can foster a supportive environment that encourages engineers to seek help when needed. In my book, The SAFE Leader, I discuss how leaders can model this behaviour by openly discussing their own mental health journeys, thereby normalising these conversations and reducing the stigma.

In a similar vein, BAM's video, "On the Edge" poignantly addresses the critical issue of suicide prevention in the construction sector. The sector's alarming statistic of two suicides every working day underscores the urgent need for open conversations about mental health. This video serves as a powerful reminder that sharing our struggles is a crucial step towards healing and support.

Creating Safe Spaces: Empowerment Through Action

Creating a safe and inclusive workplace is not just about policies; it's about action. Leaders must be proactive in establishing a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up and seek support. This involves training managers to recognise signs of mental distress and equipping them with the tools to respond effectively.

One actionable step is to implement regular mental health check-ins and provide access to mental health resources. Encouraging participation in mental health awareness programmes can also make a significant difference. By acting decisively, we can create environments where engineers feel empowered to prioritise their mental wellbeing.

In The SAFE Leader, I highlight the importance of policies and initiatives that actively promote mental health. These could include employee assistance programmes, mental health first aid training, and creating peer support networks. Additionally, organisations should consider flexible working arrangements to help employees balance work with personal life demands, thereby reducing stress and burnout.

The Role of Empathy: Feeling Empowered

Empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Feeling empowered starts with leaders who genuinely care about the wellbeing of their team members. Empathy in leadership involves actively listening, showing compassion, and understanding the unique challenges faced by men in engineering.

In The SAFE Leader, I emphasise the importance of empathetic leadership in fostering a culture of trust and support. Leaders who practise empathy not only enhance the wellbeing of their teams but also drive higher engagement and productivity. Empathy helps to dismantle the barriers that prevent men from seeking help and promotes a healthier, more inclusive workplace.

Empathy in the workplace can also be demonstrated through small, consistent actions. For example, leaders can make time for regular one-on-one meetings with team members to check in on their wellbeing, offer support, and show appreciation for their contributions. These actions, while seemingly minor, can have a profound impact on an individual’s sense of belonging and mental health.

Redefining Masculinity: A New Narrative

As we observe International Men's Health Week, let us redefine what it means to be a man in engineering. Masculinity does not have to equate to silence and stoicism. True strength lies in the ability to share, act, feel, and empower.

We must move towards a new narrative that embraces vulnerability as a strength and encourages men to take proactive steps towards their mental and physical health. This shift requires a collective effort from leaders, organisations, and the engineering community at large.

The traditional notion of masculinity often involves suppressing emotions and avoiding vulnerability. However, this narrow definition can be detrimental to mental health. In my research with EqualEngineers, we found that men often feel pressured to conform to these outdated norms, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. By redefining masculinity to include traits like empathy, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence, we can create a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone.

The Importance of Physical Health

While mental health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, we must not overlook the importance of physical health. Engineers often work in high-stress environments with demanding schedules, which can lead to neglect of physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest are essential for maintaining both physical and mental health.

Employers can support their employees' physical health by providing access to fitness facilities, organising wellness programmes, and encouraging healthy work-life balance. Simple initiatives like walking meetings or company-sponsored sports teams can promote physical activity and camaraderie among employees.

Suicide Prevention: A Sector-Wide Responsibility

The construction and engineering sectors are particularly susceptible to high rates of suicide, as highlighted by BAM’s "On the Edge" video. This powerful piece of media brings to light the harsh realities faced by many workers in these industries. The video’s emotive portrayal of the struggles faced by construction workers serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing mental health proactively.

Suicide prevention must be a sector-wide responsibility. This involves not only raising awareness but also providing tangible support systems for those in need. Organisations should have clear policies and procedures for crisis intervention and support. Moreover, fostering a culture where employees feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of judgement or repercussion is crucial.

Creating a Culture of Support: Share, Act, Feel, Empower

The principles of The SAFE Leader—Share, Act, Feel, Empower—are vital in creating a culture of support. Sharing personal stories and experiences can break down barriers and foster a sense of community. Acting on these shared experiences by implementing supportive policies and practices can create an environment where employees feel valued and understood. Finally, feeling empowered means that employees have the confidence and resources to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Leadership and Training: Building Resilience

Leadership training is essential in building a resilient workforce. Leaders who are equipped with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health issues can make a significant difference. Training programmes should include modules on mental health awareness, crisis intervention, and empathetic communication.

Resilience training for employees can also be beneficial. This can include workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and coping strategies. By building resilience, employees are better equipped to handle the challenges of their work environment and maintain their mental health.

Community and Peer Support

Building a sense of community and peer support is another crucial aspect of promoting men's health in engineering. Peer support programmes, where employees can share their experiences and offer mutual support, can be highly effective. These programmes can provide a safe space for employees to discuss their struggles and receive support from those who understand their unique challenges.

Mentorship programmes can also play a vital role. Experienced engineers can provide guidance and support to younger employees, helping them navigate the stresses and demands of the profession. This can create a supportive network that promotes mental health and wellbeing.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

International Men's Health Week is a call to action for all of us to prioritise the health and wellbeing of men in engineering. By sharing our experiences, acting to create supportive environments, and fostering empathy, we can empower men to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Let us commit to being SAFE leaders who champion these values, not just this week, but every day. Together, we can create a future where every engineer feels empowered to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

The task ahead is significant, but it is also an opportunity to transform the engineering sector into a place where mental health is openly discussed, support is readily available, and every individual feels valued and empowered. By embracing the principles of The SAFE Leader and learning from impactful initiatives like BAM’s "On the Edge" video, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of many.

#InternationalMensHealthWeek #MensHealth #Engineering #MentalHealth #TheSAFELeader #EqualEngineers #EmpathyInLeadership #RedefiningMasculinity #InclusiveWorkplace #SuicidePrevention

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