Movember: supporting men's health in the workplace

Every year in November, the Movember movement encourages people to take action for men's health, in particular for the prevention of prostate and testicular cancer, as well as for mental health and suicide prevention. As a company, taking part in Movember is a unique opportunity to raise your employees' awareness of health issues while strengthening team bonds around an important cause.

Movember: what is it and why is it important?

Created in 2003, Movember aims to raise awareness and funds for diseases that particularly affect men. The movement is recognized by the famous moustache challenge, where men show their support by sporting a moustache during the month of November. Movember highlights :

- Prostate cancer and testicular cancer: two of the most common cancers in men. Prostate cancer is the^3rd leading cause of cancer death in men(Institut national du cancer), and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged between 15 and 35(La Ligue contre le cancer).

- Mental health and suicide prevention: Every year, millions of men suffer from mental disorders. Their suicide rate is on average three times higher than that of women(UNPS). Movember aims to reduce the stigma surrounding this issue.

The crucial role of companies in Movember

The involvement of companies in Movember is a powerful lever for :

- Reinforce corporate culture by demonstrating a commitment to the health and well-being of all employees.

- Raising awareness and informing male employees about health issues that are often neglected or taboo.

- Support mental and physical well-being initiatives within the company.

Movember in the workplace: how can you support the movement?

Raising awareness and providing information on men's health

- Organize information sessions: Invite healthcare professionals to talk about topics such as prostate cancer screening, testicular self-examination and signs of mental distress.

- Inform employees about risks and prevention: Use internal channels (e-mail, intranet, posters) to raise awareness of the risks and prevention of these diseases.

Fundraising activities for Movember

- Moustache Challenge: Encourage your male employees to grow a moustache and create a fundraising page in the company's name, where employees can make donations to support research.

- Organize an event for Movember: Set up a day or evening dedicated to the movement. You can organize a fundraiser, mustache contest or awareness-raising workshops, and donate the proceeds to the Movember Foundation.

Mental health support initiatives

- Train wellness ambassadors: Identify and train volunteers within the team to act as a point of contact for mental health issues and disseminate resources.

- Establish a mental wellness policy: Offer wellness days off, meditation sessions, or partner with therapists to provide employee support sessions.

Promoting physical activity in the workplace

- Move for Movember" challenge: Encourage your employees to walk 60 km over the course of the month, symbolizing the 60 men who commit suicide every hour worldwide. Organize this challenge as a team activity, setting mileage and fundraising targets.

- Corporate sports sessions with SPART: SPART can help you organize weekly sports sessions(running, walking, yoga...) to promote physical well-being, which has a positive impact on mental health.

Discover also the benefits of physical activity on other cancers.

Commitment to Movember on social networks

Show your company's commitment by taking part in the movement on social networks:

- Publish team photos: Share photos of your mustachioed colleagues, events or sporting challenges.

- Communicate your support actions: Talk about your Movember initiatives, encourage partners and customers to support the cause.

Movember, a sustainable commitment for a responsible company

Movember is an opportunity for your company to promote men's health and well-being within your teams, while demonstrating your social commitment.

Get involved today to support the fight against male cancers! 💙💪

By Candice Lhomme

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