We regularly recognise International Women’s Day, celebrating the achievements of women and highlighting the challenges they continue to face. This year, we also want to take a moment to recognise International Men’s Day, and particularly the importance of men’s health and wellbeing.

Because some conversations deserve more attention than they get.

In Scotland, men’s mental and physical health remains a serious concern. In 2024, 518 men died by suicide, with the male suicide rate almost three times that of women. (National Records of Scotland)

Behind those statistics are fathers, sons, husbands, partners, friends and colleagues. People with families, careers, responsibilities and, often, pressures that aren’t immediately visible to those around them.

And the workplace has an important part to play.

For many working men, the expectation to simply get on with things remains deeply ingrained.

The pressure to provide financially. To succeed professionally. To support a family. To cope with stress, uncertainty or personal difficulties without showing vulnerability.

Add the demands of modern working life, rising living costs, family responsibilities and the constant challenge of finding a healthy work-life balance, and it’s easy to understand how those pressures can build.

Yet asking for help, admitting to struggling or even making time for a health appointment can still feel difficult.

That needs to change.

At Redpath Bruce, the health and wellbeing of our team is something we take seriously. We recognise that looking after our people goes well beyond their professional development or performance at work.

It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and comfortable speaking up when things aren’t right.

Where taking care of your mental health is treated with the same importance as looking after your physical health.

Where conversations about stress, burnout, anxiety, illness or personal challenges aren’t something to avoid.

And where no one feels they have to put on a brave face simply because they’re expected to be strong.

Importantly, this isn’t about men versus women.

Supporting men’s wellbeing doesn’t diminish the challenges faced by women. Quite the opposite. A workplace that recognises and responds to the different pressures people experience is a better workplace for everyone.

International Men’s Day is also an opportunity to recognise the positive contribution men make every day – as colleagues, mentors, fathers, friends and members of our communities.

But perhaps the most important message is a simple one.

Being strong doesn’t mean struggling in silence.

Check in with a colleague. Make time for your health. Have the conversation you’ve been putting off. And if someone tells you they’re finding things difficult, take the time to listen.

Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.

Today, we’re recognising the men in our team, our families and our wider communities, and reaffirming something that should matter every day of the year.

Your health matters. Your wellbeing matters. And you don’t have to face everything alone.