Championing men’s health, wellbeing, and positive masculinity at Skyrise

What did we set out to achieve?

Our aim was to tackle the stigma surrounding men’s health and mental wellbeing in the advertising industry by fostering open, honest dialogue and building a supportive culture. This involved challenging traditional notions of masculinity, redefining what it means to be a role model, and normalising vulnerability and empathy as strengths, rather than weaknesses.

We aimed to create a psychologically safe environment where employees felt empowered to discuss their mental health, seek help without hesitation, and support one another. By promoting the concept of positive masculinity, we sought to highlight qualities such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and open communication as key traits for personal and professional growth.

Another key focus was to encourage male allyship, engaging men as active participants in promoting gender equality and addressing harmful societal norms. We believed that by fostering greater awareness and allyship, we could help create a more balanced and inclusive workplace.

Tell us about practical steps

Throughout the month, we utilised our weekly Wellness Wednesday emails to focus on Men’s Health Awareness Month. Sharing a range of practical information designed to encourage open conversations and challenge stereotypes around men’s health.

One highlight was our Coffee & Conversations session, which invited team members to discuss and redefine masculinity in 2024. The session emphasised the concept of positive masculinity and the vital role of positive role models in shaping healthier perspectives on what it means to “be a man today.”

In addition to fostering dialogue, we also shared crucial health information. This included raising awareness about testicular and prostate cancer, covering common symptoms, the importance of self-exams and recognising what is “your normal.” We complemented this with statistics on men’s mental health and highlighted key health risks that men face.

Across all these activities, our primary focus remained consistent: breaking down stigmas, encouraging allyship, empathy and creating a safe space for open conversations about men’s health and wellbeing.

What positive impact has this initiative had?

Our Men’s Health Awareness Month initiatives have had a fantastic impact at Skyrise. We've seen a noticeable increase in open conversations about mental health, with more employees, regardless of gender, feeling comfortable seeking support and guiding others towards help when needed. The activities and resources we offered have not only raised awareness and fostered a more inclusive workplace, but they’ve also strengthened team bonds and built a sense of camaraderie across the organisation.

It’s been inspiring to witness evolving attitudes towards masculinity, with more team members feeling empowered to open up and express their emotions. We’ve also seen an increase in allyship, as individuals across Skyrise actively support one another and work together to challenge harmful norms, including sexism and gender bias. These ongoing conversations have played a key role in fostering a truly inclusive and supportive environment for everyone at Skyrise.

“Conversations around masculinity are absolutely vital for men to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. We’ve already had incredibly productive and valuable discussions from Men with diverse backgrounds and lives, with everyone feeling heard, valued and safe. If we can foster more engagement and open conversation about not just the pitfalls of modern masculinity, but also celebrating progress, we can promote genuine change and allyship.”

Jake Li, Skyrise

What did you learn that could help others?

We gained so many valuable insights from Men’s Health Awareness Month at Skyrise. One of the most impactful elements was having our Culture Hub as a dedicated space for sharing information and fostering connection. When our leaders actively supported the initiative, it encouraged participation and helped break down old stigmas. Empowering our team to support one another also created a more open and supportive environment for meaningful conversations.

We found that offering a variety of activities such as workshops, informal discussions and input from external experts, kept engagement high and catered to different learning preferences.

Our biggest takeaway was how essential it is to provide a safe space for open dialogue and diverse perspectives. When people feel comfortable sharing their experiences, it strengthens understanding and builds a healthier workplace culture.

How will you make the benefit of this initiative or campaign endure?

To ensure the long-term impact of our Men’s Health Awareness Month initiatives, we’re expanding our network of Men’s Health Champions to provide ongoing peer support and advocacy within Skyrise. We’ll continue prioritising mental health awareness and regularly checking in to ensure our efforts reflect the evolving needs of our employees.

Our Culture Hub will remain a central resource, offering quick reads, guides, and the “How to start a conversation around” series focused on mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, we’ll keep embedding mental health awareness and positive masculinity into our training programmes and company support policies.

We’re committed to fostering a culture of empathy and allyship, encouraging everyone at Skyrise, regardless of gender, to champion men’s health and wellbeing. By taking these steps, Skyrise is dedicated to building a workplace where positive masculinity thrives, vulnerability is celebrated, and mental health is a top priority. Our goal is to create an environment where every employee feels supported, valued and empowered.