17.06.2025

Men call for more mental health support at work – new survey reveals

A nationwide survey conducted by flexible workspace experts Office Freedom reveals that many men across the UK are still struggling to get the mental health support they need at work — and are increasingly calling for change.

While 1 in 10 men (10.6%) say wellness initiatives are the most important way employers can support their mental health, 16% admit they currently receive no mental health support from their employer whatsoever.

Other key findings show:

14% of men say flexible working options are the most important tool for managing their mental health
1 in 10 also believe mental health training for managers should be the top priority
Over 62% of men agree that some form of mental health support at work is important
Yet nearly 1 in 3 men (32%) say they don’t want any mental health support at all from their employer – suggesting that stigma and discomfort around discussing mental health may still be a barrier for many.

These results highlight a tension: while many men are demanding support, a significant portion still resist engaging with it.

The survey, conducted among 1,000 UK workers, also revealed strong support among men for more flexible, autonomous working conditions – with a focus on mental wellbeing and work-life balance.

42.7% of men say flexible working hours should be a legal right
25.3% want the right to work from home protected by law
27.1% want a legal "right to disconnect" outside working hours
Yet only 14% say paid mental health days are essential

When it comes to what matters most in a job:

58.2% of men say salary is their top priority
43.5% say job security
And 37% put flexible working hours close behind – suggesting a strong shift in priorities

Looking ahead to the festive season and beyond, men are also advocating for practical time-based benefits:

53% want flexible hours around holidays, such as early finishes at Christmas
44% support extra paid time off in winter

By contrast, women surveyed were more likely to value childcare support, mental health days, or wellbeing events – showing a clear gender gap in how wellbeing is experienced and managed in the workplace.

“The survey results show a clear message from men across the UK workforce: flexibility, boundaries and autonomy matter more than ever,” said Richard Smith, CEO at Office Freedom.

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