Why do we need to understand how to engage men on health?

The Republic of Ireland was the first country in the world to adopt a National Men’s Health Policy. This highlighted a range of health and wellbeing issues men face and outlined frameworks and strategies to address these needs.

In 2017, the ‘Healthy Ireland - Men’ Action Plan was introduced, highlighting the need to build a National Men’s Health Training programme. Following extensive research the ‘Engage’ training programme was developed. The programme aims to “increase participants’ understanding of best practice in engaging men with health.” It is designed for those involved in supporting men, and their health and wellbeing.

Why did Irish Rail adopt the Engage?

Irish Rail’s workforce is 90% male, a large proportion are middle-aged, usually a high-risk group for chronic disease. When the opportunity for taking part in the Engage training programme arose, the organisation felt it would be hugely beneficial for their employees.

Anne Farrell, Health Promotion Officer, Irish Rail supported by Dr Whelan, Chief Medical Officer, was the first who completed the training programme. Other employees, such as safety reps, wellbeing champions, managers, occupational health staff soon followed Anne’s lead.

The programmes empower staff to engage with male co-workers and signpost them to internal and external help and support. Participants learn about the role gender plays in men’s wellbeing, and how to overcome barriers that men have in discussing health and accessing support.

Anne currently sits on the Men’s Health Ireland working advisory committee which represents men’s health in the workplace. Her participation in this committee helps Irish Rail to be aware of the latest research and changes to the Engage programme.

Why should we focus on men?

On average men die five years younger than women. Men experience a disproportionate burden of ill-health and premature mortality across their lifespan, especially in lower socio-economic groups. Despite these facts, it is more difficult to get men to engage with health initiatives. Compared with women, men seek help for health-related issues or support their health less frequently. They often stay away from organised health activities, which can be frustrating and disheartening for workplace health professionals making it difficult to understand the type of interventions men respond to.

What are the principles that underpin the Engage programme?

This training programme provides an unequivocal, evidence-based blueprint to ensure line managers and others supporting men’s health are gender sensitive to the needs of men. Participants learn how gender influences men’s approach to health, how to guide health consultations with men and increase their engagement with health and how to set up and support effective group work with men.

The primary focus is on the engagement process (i.e. why and how to build relationships with men), rather than offering a new or revised mental health programme (i.e. what to offer them). In addition understanding diversity among men and their health needs, a need to create a positive energy around men’s health, acknowledging men’s strengths and what they do well, and creating a safe, relaxed environment, which offers a reflective space for sharing experiences.

How the Engage programme aligns with the Healthy Culture Framework?

The training is delivered using the principles discussed in the Healthy Cultures Framework through a participatory approach.

There is not a one-size-fits-all model and during the ‘Engage’ training. Participants bring their own interests, levels of energy, knowledge, experience, expectations, biases, cultural conditioning, hopes, fears etc. This means that sessions are amended to meet the specific needs and interests of participants.

How does Irish Rail use the training principles to engage men in the workplace health initiatives?

The principles are used at every opportunity by the health and wellbeing team at Irish Rail. For example, men are asked about their health and wellbeing needs, are involved in the development and delivery of programmes and initiatives, are provided with health literature with language that appeals to men (e.g. body composition rather than body fat) and men’s health week is celebrated. Other examples include conducting a Men’s Health quiz to bring awareness on issues that impact men, as well as to aid the discussion and experience sharing.

Life and health coaching at Irish Rail also use these principles, and a new medical department is aimed to be a more inviting place for men, with suitable health literature that appeals to men.

Irish Rail ensures that health and wellbeing interventions are designed to appeal to men and includes prizes, competitions and offers rewards in a form of charity donation for healthy behaviour changes.