More Than a Moustache
The Power of a Mo, a Mate and a Meaningful Chat
Every November, moustaches sprout up in offices, Zoom calls and coffee queues everywhere — but behind the banter, Movember carries a serious message. Men’s mental health still isn’t talked about enough. And yet, it should be one of the easiest things to grow: open conversations, not just facial hair.
The truth is, no matter how impressive the mo, the real power of Movember is in the talking. Because the stats are still sobering: GLOBALLY, ON AVERAGE, 1 MAN DIES BY SUICIDE EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY, and men are still significantly less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women.
That’s not just a personal problem – it’s a workplace one too.
The silent struggle in the workplace
Most of us spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else. So, when someone’s struggling, the chances are their colleagues see the signs first. Maybe it’s the guy who’s suddenly switched off in meetings, the manager who’s stopped showing up to socials, or the new starter who laughs everything off but never quite seems okay.
But here’s the thing – unless workplaces create safe spaces to have these conversations, people carry on pretending. And that silence can be deadly.
Enter: the employee network
Employee networks are one of the most underrated tools a workplace can have.
They’re not just about ticking boxes or celebrating awareness days – when done right, they can change culture from the inside out.
A good employee network is:
- A place where people can talk without fear of judgment.
- A community that connects people across departments, levels, and backgrounds.
- A catalyst for change – making organisations more human, inclusive and proactive about wellbeing.
And here’s the best bit: you don’t need a big budget, a fancy committee, or a corporate manifesto to start one. You just need a handful of people who care.
How employee networks make a real impact
When networks are supported properly, they create ripple effects across an entire business. Here’s how:
1. They make mental health visible.
Talking about stress, burnout, or depression becomes part of everyday culture – not a HR crisis point. The more people hear honest stories, the safer they feel to share their own.
2. They turn awareness into action.
Networks can partner with HR or leadership to push for better support – from reviewing wellbeing policies to introducing mental health first aiders. It’s grassroots influence at its best.
3. They build belonging.
Men’s mental health doesn’t exist in isolation. Many networks overlap – wellbeing, parents, LGBTQ+, ethnic diversity – and when they collaborate, it reminds everyone that no one’s story stands alone.
4. They normalise empathy.
A network creates permission. Permission to check in. To ask, “are you okay?” without it feeling intrusive. To share what’s really going on without it becoming office gossip. That kind of cultural shift saves more than just awkward conversations; it saves jobs, relationships, and sometimes lives.
So, where do you start?
If your workplace doesn’t have a network yet, start small.
Put out a call in your internal channels – “We’re starting a group for anyone passionate about supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing. Fancy joining?”
Find a few allies. Set up a regular coffee catch-up or lunchtime chat. Invite guest speakers. Create a Slack channel. Share personal stories. Keep it light, open and regular.
And crucially, get leadership support. Not for show, but for substance. A good network has autonomy, budget and backing to make a difference, not just bake cupcakes and print posters.
Movember is just the start
Growing a mo for charity is brilliant. But growing a culture that supports men every day of the year, that’s where the real change happens.
This Movember, instead of (or alongside) the fundraising, why not use it as a springboard to build something lasting?
Because while facial hair eventually fades, a strong, safe, well-supported employee network can change lives long after November ends.
