“It’s OK not to be OK.”

To mark International Mens Day 2024, we are highlighting issues around male mental health, starting with this conversation between David McKay, Senior Associate from Workman’s Glasgow office, and Michael Dickinson, Service Charge Accountant in our Swindon office.

Both are members of the firm’s Disability, Neurodiversity & Mental Health Employee Network, which supports those living with or affected by disability, neurodiversity, and long-term physical and mental health conditions. In this conversation, David and Michael share personal experiences of mental health challenges and some of the positive initiatives from organisations like Mind and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) that can help tackle mental health issues.

Work can have a huge impact on our mental health, at one end of the scale it can be hugely positive, giving us a sense of purpose, boosting our self-worth, and providing opportunities to connect with others.

But for many it can also be a source of stress and anxiety, contributing to mental health problems. In the UK, research shows that 875,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression and anxiety in the past year, and that mental health was the fifth most common reason for sickness absence in 2022.

As part of our ongoing commitment to a supportive, inclusive, and healthy work environment, Workman’s very own team of trained Mental Health First Aiders offer guidance, signpost help, and provide a listening ear to any of our employees in need of support. They vary in age, role, gender and background and have all undergone specialised training to offer confidential support and guidance to navigate challenges related to mental health.