A Movement of Men's Groups at Work

How men at work can join this movement to support other men and make the world a better place for everyone.

Men having a space at work where they can come together really matters.

Men need their own Employee Resource Group that reflects men’s needs, challenges and gives men a voice.

Join your men’s network at work and you can be part of a positive movement for men.

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There’s never been a space specifically for men’s needs and challenges, within the workplace. Historically men have left out of DEI initiatives and this has left a gap.

JACK is partnering with businesses to change this.

Men need a space at work to discuss the various issues that men face. They need to share those issues and challenges with other men are like them and they feel comfortable with.

• Health

• Mental Health

• Parenting

• Relationships

• How to be allies to other groups.

The misconception is that men have lots of spaces for them already; the board room, the golf club, the private members club - yet this is false. A small minority of men, perhaps, are involved in these traditional networks. Yet the majority of men are lacking in communities where they can show up wholeheartedly with all of their vulnerabilities and speak openly.

Plus, the truth is - stereotypical male culture. - quips about the football or misogynistic jokes make lots of men feel uncomfortable too. Men too want typical male culture and norms to change for the better.

Health and Mental Health

The obvious benefits of mens groups are for men’s health and mental health - a space where men can open up, share and hear stories from other men. Depression, burnout, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, suicide - all of these issues can be discussed in a men’s network and men can support (and learn to) support one another.

Men can also bring other issues that affect them too. Company policies on paternity leave or baby/pregnancy loss for men are an example of this. Every business is different and a men’s group is the chance for men to come together and express their needs in the workplace that could result in organisational change.

Men as Role Models

Many men have a desire to discuss their role in the issues that people who belong to other groups face. Lots of men want to know how they can support women more, they are aware of the problems women face in the world and at work. They understand the problems surrounding VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) and want to do more to help. Being around other men can be a way of continuing to challenge norms that impact others negatively and build togetherness on how to help other people.

Lots of men want to be a role model for others, but don’t always know how. They might feel nervous to speak up, unsure how to share their perspective without being judged and uncertain on when is there time to take the mic. It’s the passivity and silence that has created a vacuum in positive male voices, filled by bad actors.

Men’s Networks at Work

Men’s groups can allow for men to change the typical male culture that holds so many people back. A men’s network at work can break down the typical “men don’t show weakness”, “men don’t cry”, “men are the problem” stereotypes that are so harmful.

By joining your men’s network and becoming an advocate for men in your workplace. You’re joining the movement of good men who are standing up to make sure the world is a fair and safe place for everyone.

Change happens when people come together and show up in the world differently, exhibiting new values and behaviours. It’s time for men to band together and show everyone what a good man looks like.

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Speak to your People team or Employee Resource Group lead about your men’s network in your workplace.

If you don’t have one and would like to be part of establishing one, join the JACK Community for Good Men and be part of our mission to inspire change. We can provide you with support and tools to establish your own men’s group at work.