Mental health in the workplace has become an increasingly important topic for organizations across Canada. Yet, one issue remains widely under-discussed: men's mental health. While the stigma around mental health is declining overall, many men still face significant barriers to seeking support. Cultural expectations around masculinity, self-reliance and emotional control can make it difficult for men to acknowledge mental health challenges or ask for help.
In Canada, the consequences are significant: suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Canadian men under the age of 50, highlighting an urgent need for greater awareness and support.
For employers, supporting men's mental health in the workplace is not only a wellbeing priority – it can foster a more resilient and productive organization, inspiring confidence in leadership.
The State of Men's Mental Health
Mental health challenges affect millions of Canadians every year, but men are less likely than women to seek help.
The data highlights a significant gap in preventative care and help-seeking behaviour among Canadian men. In fact, 65% of Canadian men wait more than six days after experiencing symptoms before deciding to visit a doctor, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and accessible support.
Recent data also suggests mental health concerns among men are increasing. According to the Government of Canada and the Men’s Health Foundation, today,
These statistics point to a growing need for early support, awareness, and accessible resources. According to Kii Health, in Empire Life's own block of business, EAP utilization has doubled in the last five years, and the primary users are women, not men.
The Crisis Behind the Silence
Despite experiencing significant levels of stress, men struggle to discuss their mental health challenges openly.
Even after diagnosis, stigma can remain a powerful barrier towards acceptance. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won't seek help for fear of being labelled.
These experiences highlight the internal conflict many men face: recognizing they need help while also feeling the pressure to remain self-reliant.
Why Men Don't Seek Mental Health Support
To effectively address men's mental health, it's important to understand the barriers preventing access to support. These obstacles typically fall into three interconnected categories: cultural, systemic, and logistical.
Cultural Barriers: The "Stoic Ideal"
For generations, cultural expectations have shaped how men respond to emotional challenges.
Strength and independence are culturally defining traits of masculinity. This mindset is reinforced from a young age and is pervasive in media and social interactions. As a result, emotional vulnerability may feel like a weakness rather than a part of human experience.
Many men grow up hearing messages like:
These beliefs can make it difficult to acknowledge mental health challenges—even to close friends and family.
According to Movember, in their pivotal study, "Perceptions of Masculinity and the Challenges of Opening Up," over half of Canadian men (59%) feel society expects them to be "emotionally strong and not show weakness.2
Systemic Barriers to Mental Health Care
When a man does decide to seek help, the healthcare system can be overwhelming and confusing.
Barriers may include:
The complexity of the process compounds the tendency for men to wait until symptoms are acute, seeking immediate, reliable care that is even more urgent. Finding the right specialist, understanding diagnosis, or navigating treatment options—especially when feeling mentally unwell—can be a huge deterrent. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, while half of the Canadian population waits less than 30 days for access to community mental health counselling, some may be waiting 4 months or more.
Logistical Barriers: The Workplace Environment
In the workplace, concerns over confidentiality and career repercussions act as powerful brakes on help-seeking.
Even in organizations with supportive policies, employees may worry that:
A startling 42% of employees with a mental health diagnosis disclose it to their employer: the remaining 58% do not discuss their diagnosis. The main reason for staying silent is fear of career consequences or being seen as less capable.3
How Employers Can Support Men's Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental illness is a significant driver of absenteeism, accounting for 30% of disability claims in Canada. When mental health affects an employee's ability to work, the problem is no longer just personal; it is a business challenge.
Workplaces can help address many of these barriers, starting with a shift in workplace culture:
1. Prioritizing Mental Health at the Leadership Level and in Communication
Leadership plays an essential role in shaping workplace culture.
When leaders speak openly about stress, burnout, or seeking support, it signals that mental health challenges are normal and manageable.
Consistent communication about workplace resources is also critical. Employees are far more likely to use programs when they understand:
2. Offering Mental Health Benefits and Workplace Support
Employers can also reduce barriers by ensuring employees have access to support services.
Examples include:
Providing clear information about these services can make it easier for employees to seek support early.
3. Addressing Specific Workplace Stressors
While everyone experiences workplace stress, some pressures disproportionately affect men.
Professionals may feel increased responsibility related to financial stability, career progression, and supporting family members.
Providing resources that help address financial wellbeing, stress management, and emotional resilience can help employees navigate these pressures before they escalate into mental health challenges.
Moving the Conversation Forward
Men's mental health challenges often remain hidden in workplaces across Canada. Cultural expectations, stigma and systemic barriers continue to prevent many men from seeking support until problems become severe.
By fostering open conversations, improving access to resources and building a culture that prioritizes wellbeing, employees can play a critical role in changing this narrative. Supporting men's mental health strengthens our workplaces, families and communities.
Explore our mental health support solutions and learn more about how benefits can help your organization foster an inclusive environment for all employees.
This article contains information about the services that Empire Life provides. Be sure to consult your Employee Benefits Booklet to determine if you have this coverage.
The advice in this article is not designed to self-diagnose or treat any mental health issues. Please reach out to a certified professional if you are experiencing any symptoms.
1 Government of Canada. Improving Health in Men in Canada. March 2026.
2 Movember. Perceptions of Masculinity and the Challenges of Opening Up. August 2019.
3 Mental Health Research Canada. Workplace Mental Health of Canadian Employees Report. June 2025.