Tim Edmonds Digital Architect Accenture takes a MO-ment with VERCIDA

Throughout Movember, we are looking at men’s wellbeing and, in particular, mental health.

At VERCIDA we believe the MO-mentum around mental health needs to be kept up every day, all year round. Male suicide is one of the biggest killers of men under 50 and with the rate of suicide highest among men aged 45-49, could this figure be work related? If so, we need to find a way to help men manage the stress that accompanies their professional lives, before it leads to personal tragedy.

We spoke to Tim Edmonds at Accenture to get his view on the problems of male stress in the workplace. 

“In the last 5 years or so it has definitely become more of a focus for men to be encouraged to discuss their feelings.

There is a growing openness. People are realizing they can speak out about the effects of anxiety, rather than being perceived as weak. 

But there is no doubt it continues to be a challenge. It is quite easy to see the thinking that causes this. A junior will be concerned that they are considered weak, not up to the job. And busy schedules have generally meant that their voice is rather swept aside by their managers who have to focus on delivery of product.

Senior team members can also feel anxious about showing they have problems, there has always been the need to look strong and lead by example.   

For any employee, it can be down to a matter of trust, who can you talk to and know that they won’t share personal issues over the photocopier or with your management?

What is very important for an employer and employee to be aware of is the amount of independent help available now. It is really simple to pass on, or set up channels of communication with expert services such as CALM who can step into a support role and provide coping strategies. Accenture are very good at making sure team members have the right tools and contacts to take time out.  

Having these resources to hand for employees is invaluable.“