Key Takeaways For People Leaders: Addressing Men's Health Issues

• Comprehensive health coverage for men supporting gender diversity
• Digital health access to facilitate flexible medical appointments
• Confidential support counselling services
• Workshops and seminars to encourage preventive care
• Lifestyle programs affecting men’s health

Recent studies by Harvard Medical School have highlighted a global decline in male reproductive health, characterized by decreasing sperm counts and quality. This decline is attributed to various factors, including environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, and occupational hazards.

Male reproductive health encompasses a range of issues, including infertility, erectile dysfunction (ED), and prostate health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects about 15% of couples worldwide, with male factors contributing to nearly half of these cases. Erectile dysfunction affects up to 52% of men aged 40-70, and prostate issues are prevalent in older men.

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The Impact On Day-to-Day Work

Retention and Loyalty

Companies that offer comprehensive health benefits, including reproductive health support, report a 50% lower turnover rate compared to those that do not. By addressing men's health concerns, organisations demonstrate a commitment to their employees' overall well-being, fostering loyalty and reducing turnover.‍

Productivity

Poor reproductive health can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, significantly impacting work performance. Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine highlighted that men with ED reported a decrease in work productivity by 10-20%, primarily due to the psychological impact of the condition.

Absenteeism

Men's health issues, particularly those related to reproductive health, can lead to increased absenteeism due to medical appointments and treatments. Proactive health management can reduce absenteeism by up to 30%, and overall improving employee wellbeing.

Innovation, Engagement, and Inclusion

Research shows that companies with robust health support systems experience a 21% increase in performance and a 17% increase in employee satisfaction due to higher innovation and engagement  levels. Moreover, ensuring that health benefits services are equitable fosters an environment where all employees feel valued and supported, promoting gender equity.

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Actionable Strategies For People Leaders

Health Benefits and Screenings

Offering comprehensive health insurance that covers reproductive health evaluations and treatments is crucial. This includes coverage for infertility treatments, ED medications, and regular prostate health screenings.

Digital Health Solutions

The Health Foundation Research suggests that men tend to prefer accessing health services digitally. This preference for digital health solutions could be leveraged to improve men's engagement with health services in the workplace. Consider offering telemedicine options, online health assessments, and digital platforms for accessing health information and resources.

Employee Wellness Program

Implementing wellness programs that focus on stress management, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles can positively impact reproductive health. These programs can include gym memberships, nutrition workshops, and mindfulness training.

‍Confidential Support Services

Providing confidential counseling services through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can help employees dealing with reproductive health issues. Ensuring privacy encourages employees to seek help without fear of stigma.

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Juniper's Approach

At Juniper, we support employers offer benefits that provide access to men's reproductive health, including educational resources, virtual and in-person care pathways, and access a quality network of care providers.

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Our sources, if you'd like to read more:

• Harvard - "Toxic environment harming sperm counts"
• NHS Library
• World Health Organization
• Mercer- "National Survey of Employer Sponsored Health Plans"
• Oxford Academy- "Health literacy in urologic prosthetics"
• Forbes - "10 Timely Statistics About The Connection Between Employee Engagement And Wellness"
• The Health Foundation - "Exploring public attitudes towards the use of digital health technologies and data"

‍Get in touch to find out more

If you're interested to understand how Juniper can help support your workplace, book a call and the team will guide you through!