Mental health matters. It impacts how we think, feel, and act, both at home and at work. But when it comes to men’s mental health in the workplace, it’s often harder to talk about. Many men feel pressure to remain strong and conceal their emotions in today’s workplaces. That needs to change. 

Let’s take a look at why men’s mental health is important, how Canadian workplaces can offer support, and the tools already available to help, like those offered through sparrow, GroupHEALTH’s digital health and wellness platform. 

Why Is Mental Health Important in the Workplace? 

Work can be stressful. Deadlines, long hours, and difficult conversations all add up. If mental health support in the workplace is ignored, employees can feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or even depressed. That affects not just the person but the entire team. Poor mental health can lead to: 

• Low energy and focus 
• Missed workdays 
• Mistakes or accidents 
• Reduced teamwork and morale 

On the flip side, when we support employee wellbeing, people feel more engaged, confident, and supported. That’s good for everyone, employees and employers alike.

Why Talk About Men’s Mental Health in the Workplace? 

Men often face silent struggles. They might feel pressure to “be tough” or “handle it themselves.” But not talking about it can make things worse. The truth is 17% of men self-report having fair or poor mental health. Yet many don’t ask for help. That’s why starting the conversation is so important. 

Talking openly about mental health: 

• Reduces stigma 
• Encourages others to seek help 
• Builds a stronger, more supportive workplace 
• Can save lives 

Creating space for these conversations (especially at work) is one of the most important things we can do. 

What Is Workplace Mental Health? 

Workplace mental health means creating an environment where people feel safe, supported, and able to get help when they need it. It’s more than just being “nice” to each other, it’s about building systems that support mental well-being. 

This includes: 

• Offering access to counselling or therapy 
• Teaching stress management skills 
• Recognizing burnout early 
• Having policies that protect mental health 
• Encouraging a healthy work-life balance 

The good news? Many employers already offer programs like this and employees don’t always know they’re available. 

Tools and Services to Support Mental Health at the Workplace

If your benefits are with GroupHEALTH, you might already have access to sparrow, a wellness concierge that brings together mental, physical, and emotional health services in one place. Think of it as your personal support team, just a tap away. Here are some of the ways sparrow helps support mental health at work (and beyond): 

EAP – Employee Assistance Program 

sparrow’s EAP goes beyond the basics. Along with individual, couple, and family counselling, it features a therapist matching tool. Just enter what you’re looking for (language, specialization, faith, or more) and get matched with a therapist who fits your needs. 

Digital Therapy (iCBT) 

If you prefer a self-guided approach, try internet-based CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). It’s designed to help with anxiety, depression, and stress. You can log in any time, go at your own pace, and learn techniques to feel better. 

Substance Use Support 

If someone is struggling with alcohol or drug use, sparrow offers virtual care teams, accountability tools, and peer support to help you make meaningful changes. 

Support for Families 

Mental health doesn’t just affect one person; it impacts families too. sparrow includes tools for: 

• Children’s mental health (gamified and interactive!) 
• Help with major life changes, like becoming a new parent 
• Couples counselling and family therapy 

Culturally Safe Care Through Noojimo Health 

For Indigenous employees or family members, sparrow offers Noojimo Health, Canada’s first all-Indigenous virtual mental wellness clinic. The care is grounded in culture and tradition, and delivered by Indigenous clinicians who understand your story. 

First Step Podcast + Modules 

Prefer to learn in a more casual way? sparrow’s First Step program uses podcasts and modules to raise awareness and teach mental health skills. It’s non-clinical, simple, and effective. 

More Than Just Mental Health

sparrow also offers virtual health care, pharmacy services and delivery, fitness and wellness programs, and even career and nutrition coaching, because mental health is part of your whole health. That saves time, reduces stress, and improves outcomes. 

Want to see what’s available to you? See what sparrow has to offer.   

The Role Employers Play

Creating a healthy workplace starts with leadership. That includes: 

• Talking openly about mental health 
• Offering flexible schedules or time off when needed 
• Encouraging the use of support programs like sparrow 
• Training managers to recognize signs of stress or burnout 
• Making mental health a year-round priority, not just during awareness months 

When employers lead the way, employees feel empowered to take care of themselves too. 

Take Action: Start the Conversation Today

If you or someone on your team is struggling, know this: help is available. Mental health is just as important as physical health and it deserves the same care and attention. 

• Talk about it. Even a small conversation can make a big difference. 
• Use your benefits. If you have access to sparrow, explore the mental health tools available. 
• Support others. Encourage teammates to take breaks, seek help, and take care of themselves. 
• Ask your HR team about training or resources. 

Your Next Step: Explore sparrow

sparrow makes it easier than ever to take care of your mental health. Whether you need therapy, digital tools, a second opinion, or just someone to talk to, it’s all in one place. 

Ready to Find the Right Benefits? 

At GroupHEALTH, we work with Canadian businesses of all sizes to build affordable benefits for employees that balance flexibility, protection, and cost control. Whether you’re leaning toward an HSA, traditional benefits, or a blended model, we’ll help you build a plan that works — for your business and your team.