What Expat Employers Need to Know About Men’s Health in 2025
Published: February 2025 · Updated: October 2026
KEY TAKEAWAY
- Bupa’s 2025 findings concern a UK survey and should not be assumed to represent every international workforce.
- Clear confidential pathways, culturally appropriate communication and manager signposting can reduce practical barriers to seeking help.
- Confirm eligibility, provider access, languages, telehealth rules and emergency routes in the actual plan.
What employers should know
Expat employers can support men’s health by making confidential help easy to find, training managers to signpost rather than diagnose, and checking that mental, sexual and preventive health benefits are genuinely accessible across locations.
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Clear confidential pathways, culturally appropriate communication and manager signposting can reduce practical barriers to seeking help.
Questions to ask before you act
- Do employees know where to seek confidential help?
- Are mental, sexual and preventive health services accessible in each location?
- Can managers signpost support without becoming clinicians or breaching privacy?
Evidence and timing note
Source: Bupa Wellbeing Index 2025: Lifting the Lid on Men’s Health. The figures are historical and UK-specific.
Men Aren’t Talking — But Employers Should Be Listening
Bupa’s recent Wellbeing Index 2025: Lifting the Lid on Men’s Health report sheds light on the pressing health challenges faced by men, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and proactive support. As employers, especially those managing a diverse expatriate workforce, understanding these issues is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
Key Findings from the Report
Mental Health Remains a Taboo
- 50% of men in the UK have experienced poor mental health at some point.
- Nearly a third are unaware of where to seek help when facing mental health issues.
- Stigmas and stereotypes continue to hinder men from discussing their mental well-being.
Generational Gaps in Health Conversations
- Younger men are more inclined to discuss health concerns compared to older generations.
- A lack of intergenerational dialogue perpetuates silence and misunderstanding around men’s health.
Sexual Health Issues are Prevalent and Underreported
- Over a quarter of men report experiencing issues like erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, or premature ejaculation.
- These issues are often linked to mental health struggles and workplace stress.
Implications for Expatriate Employers
Cultivate an Open Culture
Encourage conversations around mental and sexual health. Provide platforms where employees feel safe discussing their concerns without fear of judgment.
Offer Accessible Support Services
Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that are culturally sensitive and available in multiple languages to cater to a diverse workforce.
Promote Regular Health Screenings
Facilitate routine health check-ups, including mental health assessments, to detect and address issues early.
READ MORE >> How Much Should You Spend on an Annual Health Check-Up? Essential vs. Overpriced Tests
Provide Training for Managers
Equip leadership with the tools to recognize signs of mental distress and guide employees to appropriate resources.
Encourage Intergenerational Dialogue
Create mentorship programs that bridge generational gaps, fostering understanding and shared experiences around health topics.
READ MORE >> Health Strategies That Work Across Generations: Insights from Allianz’s 2024 Global Study
Addressing men’s health in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic one. By proactively supporting male employees’ well-being, especially in expatriate settings where isolation and stress can be amplified, employers can enhance overall productivity, reduce absenteeism, and build a more inclusive work culture.
For a more detailed understanding, you can access the full Bupa report here: Bupa Wellbeing Index 2025: Lifting the Lid on Men’s Health
If you need assistance in implementing these strategies or tailoring them to your organization’s specific needs, feel free to reach out.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did Bupa’s 2025 men’s health report examine? It explored mental health, intergenerational health conversations and sexual function in its UK research sample.
How can an employer support men’s health without intruding? Provide confidential routes, inclusive communication, voluntary education and clear manager guidance while protecting health privacy.
Does insurance automatically cover men’s health screening or treatment? No. Coverage depends on benefit definitions, clinical eligibility, provider rules, limits and exclusions in the plan.
Review Benefits as a Retention Tool with Us
Clear confidential pathways, culturally appropriate communication and manager signposting can reduce practical barriers to seeking help.
One World Cover is an independent international insurance broker and employee benefits consultant, not an insurer.
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