Beyond Movember: Five ways employee benefits can transform men’s wellbeing at work

Every November, Movember inspires millions to start a conversation about men’s health — but too often, that focus fades once the moustaches come off.

Now in its 20th year, Movember has grown from a small idea among friends into a global movement changing how we think about men’s physical and mental health. Yet despite progress, challenges remain. The latest Bupa Wellbeing Index found that 50% of UK men have experienced mental health difficulties, but fewer than half have sought medical advice.

As Movember’s Real Face of Men’s Health report makes clear, men still need more support to take control of their wellbeing — and workplaces can play a huge role in that change.

At Avantus, we believe the answer lies in combining empathetic workplace culture with the right employee benefits technology. Our FlexGenius platform helps organisations make wellbeing accessible, personal and measurable — connecting employees with support that actually makes a difference.

Here are five ways HR and reward professionals can drive lasting impact beyond Movember.

1. Move from awareness to action

Campaigns like Movember are great catalysts — but the real progress happens when organisations turn awareness into year-round engagement.

How to make it happen:

• Extend the conversation: Use internal campaigns and surveys to follow up on Movember themes and gather insights from employees.
• Keep wellbeing visible: The FlexGenius platform allows organisations to surface relevant wellbeing benefits throughout the year — from virtual GP access to lifestyle challenges.
• Link participation to rewards: Integrate wellbeing achievements into recognition schemes or benefits incentives.
• Empower managers: Provide team leaders with resources to check in on wellbeing regularly and confidently.

Best practice tip:
Make wellbeing part of everyday culture, not a calendar event. When employees can easily find and use support through their benefits platform, engagement naturally follows.

2. Connect body and mind

Men’s health isn’t just physical or mental — it’s both. And increasingly, employers are recognising the importance of integrated wellbeing ecosystems that connect the two.

In practice:

• Promote prevention: Through FlexGenius, employees can access health screenings, virtual GP appointments and health cash plans from trusted partners like Paycare — helping catch issues before they escalate.
• Highlight the connection: Communications that link physical activity, sleep and nutrition to mood and focus drive stronger engagement.
• Normalise hormone insights: Offer male hormone testing via providers such as Bluecrest to help men understand how hormone balance affects energy, mood and long-term health.
• Provide privacy: Include digital wellbeing resources so employees can learn and act in their own time, without stigma.

Key takeaway:
When benefits link physical, mental and hormonal health, men start to see wellbeing as a proactive habit — not a reactive response.

3. Design for every life stage

Men’s wellbeing needs shift over time — from early-career pressures to midlife burnout and later-life health changes. A personalised approach ensures every employee feels supported.

How FlexGenius helps:

• Use insights to personalise: FlexGenius analytics reveal which age groups engage most (and least) with different benefits, helping HR teams tailor communication and content.
• Offer flexible, modular options: From gym discounts via BenefitHub to financial wellbeing support and private medical insurance, employees can choose what’s right for their life stage.
• Adjust tone and delivery: Younger employees may prefer app notifications or gamified challenges; older workers might value targeted health screening reminders.
• Address real pressures: Recognise factors like financial stress, caring responsibilities or fatigue — and point employees toward relevant support.

Best practice tip:
A single wellbeing strategy won’t work for everyone. Empower employees to build their own “wellbeing mix” that evolves with their needs.

4. Create social connection and community

Movember’s research shows men thrive on social connection — yet loneliness is one of the biggest silent health risks. The workplace can be a powerful antidote.

Ways to build connection:

• Enable social wellbeing: Use FlexGenius to host wellbeing challenges that encourage teamwork — like step competitions or fitness goals linked to rewards.
• Encourage community: Partner with platforms like Companiions to help employees balance work, caring responsibilities and social time.
• Support peer networks: Create informal groups where men can share experiences or take part in charity challenges together.

Key takeaway:
Connection itself is a form of prevention. When men feel part of something — whether it’s a wellbeing challenge, a team initiative or a simple conversation — they’re more likely to stay engaged with their health.

5. Lead from the top

Culture change starts with leadership. When male leaders show openness around wellbeing, it sets the tone for the entire organisation.

Practical steps:

• Model balance: Encourage senior leaders to talk about wellbeing, take time off and participate in wellbeing programmes.
• Measure wellbeing at the top: Use pulse surveys and engagement data to spot early signs of burnout.
• Redefine resilience: Show that strength isn’t about endurance, but self-awareness and support.

Key takeaway:
When leaders prioritise wellbeing, employees feel permission to do the same — creating a healthier, more human workplace from the top down.

Conclusion

Men’s wellbeing can’t be confined to one month or one campaign. Real change happens when every man feels supported, informed and empowered to take charge of his health — and when the workplace provides the tools and culture to make that possible.

With platforms like FlexGenius, employers can turn good intentions into lasting impact — connecting employees to the benefits, insights and wellbeing support that keep them healthy, motivated and engaged all year round.

Because when men thrive, workplaces do too.

Ready to make men’s wellbeing a year-round priority?
Discover how FlexGenius helps organisations turn awareness into action — connecting teams with health, wellbeing and lifestyle support that drives lasting engagement.
Book a demo or contact our team to learn more.