![](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260608759693\/en\/1842556\/22\/TS_bmk_digital286.jpg\")
<\/a>![](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260608759693\/en\/1842556\/21\/TS_bmk_digital286.jpg\")
<\/a>\nGen Z Men Prioritize Mental Health<\/b><\/p>
\nYoung men are bucking the mental health stigma. Research from The Standard shows one in five men ages 18 \u2013 26 have taken leave to address their mental health challenges. That\u2019s higher than any other generation in the workplace and it might signal a cultural shift.<\/p>
\nYounger Generations Are Leading the Way<\/b><\/p>
\nThe trend isn\u2019t limited to Gen Z. While 20% of Gen Z men take mental health leave, millennials aren\u2019t far behind at 14%, with Generation X at 11% and baby boomers at 6% \u2014 each generation is more willing than the last.<\/p>
\nThe rates of mental health leave between Gen Z men and women represent another compelling finding. The two groups are taking time off for mental health at the exact same rate \u2014 a departure from women typically taking more leave. It\u2019s yet another sign of the growing importance of mental health and leave benefits for the well-being of an employee population.<\/p>
\nUntreated Mental Health Hurts Employees and Employers<\/b><\/p>
\nNeglecting mental health comes at a cost. When an employee struggles, it can take a toll on their well-being long before they request leave. But the impact isn\u2019t only personal. An employee\u2019s suffering can lead to poor attendance, productivity and engagement.<\/p>
\nIf that employee is Gen Z, there\u2019s a better chance they\u2019ll take leave. But if they\u2019re a Gen Z man, they\u2019re 35% less likely to come back to work than the women in their cohort. With greater willingness to prioritize mental health also comes another reality \u2014 not everyone is going to return.<\/p>
\nGen Z Men Could Be the Key to Change<\/b><\/p>
\nStigma can hold men back from learning about or utilizing the mental health benefits available to them. Employers who want to realize better mental health outcomes will have to confront the struggle to reach men. Working with Gen Z men could offer useful insight into overcoming these barriers, including what language to use to reach men from other cohorts.<\/p>
\nEnsuring resources are accessible is also important. Applying a mental health lens the next time you review your benefit portfolio might reveal opportunities to upgrade support. Nathan Whiteley, vice president of Absence and Disability Services at The Standard, says, \u201cEasy access to providers, employee assistance programs and benefits that help workers return to work, or even stay while they receive treatment, are ways to help meet the needs of your employees.\u201d<\/p>
\nThe workforce isn\u2019t waiting for employers to catch up. More Gen Z men are already taking mental health leave, and in too many cases, not coming back. They\u2019re also signaling what they expect in terms of support. Employers that treat mental health as a cultural issue \u2014 not just a benefits checkbox \u2014 will have an edge in employee retention and engagement.<\/p>
\nFor more insights on this topic, visit Mental Health in the Workplace: Will Gen Z Men Shrink the Stigma?<\/a><\/p> \nSurvey on the Evolving Landscape of Women and Money<\/p> \nAbout The Standard<\/b><\/p> \nEstablished in 1906, The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. We are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individual customers. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, voluntary and supplemental benefits, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services and annuities for employers and individual customers. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.com<\/b><\/a> and follow us on LinkedIn<\/b><\/a> and Instagram<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n