Redefining Masculinity: Strength, Vulnerability, and Mental Health in the Workplace
As we recognise International Men’s Day and observe Men’s Mental Health Month, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on what it means to be a man in the 21st century. Traditional ideas of masculinity – marked by stoicism, relentless ambition, and emotional suppression – are giving way to something richer and more nuanced. Today’s evolving model of masculinity celebrates qualities like vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence – qualities that allow men to connect deeply with their true selves in a world that’s changing faster than ever. This transformation is timely and essential, particularly for men in high-stress environments.
In my work as an organisational psychologist and creator of Energy-Flow Coaching, I’ve seen first-hand the impact this shift can have on men who feel trapped by outdated or confused expectations. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, experiencing burnout, and disconnected from their true selves. They want to thrive, but they’re weighed down by inherited ideas about success and strength. When men embrace a broader vision of masculinity, they improve their own mental health, cultivate a deeper connection with themselves, and in doing so, they also foster healthier, more inclusive workplaces and communities.
The Mental Health Impact of Traditional Masculinity
For generations, men have been under immense pressure to be providers, achievers, and protectors – roles that often require putting personal needs aside. Many men have learned to manage this pressure by ignoring or hiding their emotions, feeling they must be self-sufficient at all costs. While these qualities may serve them in certain contexts, the personal cost can be high. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are prevalent, yet men are less likely to seek help for these challenges, often due to stigma or a sense of shame in admitting vulnerability.
I recently worked with a high-performing executive who was grappling with severe burnout. Admitting he needed support was difficult for him; for years, he’d been carrying the belief that real men simply ‘push through’. But as we explored his internal beliefs, he began to see that reaching out was not a sign of weakness but of strength. This shift in perspective allowed him to manage his workload more sustainably and reconnect with his family in a meaningful way. Men like him are learning that resilience doesn’t mean suppressing their struggles; it means allowing them, embracing them, and developing a deeper understanding of themselves. This process fosters a more spiritual, grounded connection with one’s true self, beyond the superficial markers of success that modern culture often promotes.
Breaking Down Stereotypes of Masculinity
One of the most powerful aspects of this journey is redefining success and strength. Many men have learned to measure success through external achievements – career status, financial gain, and physical endurance. While these markers have value, they are only part of the story. True success includes alignment with one’s own values and purpose, which means looking inward and developing self-awareness. A client of mine, a driven business owner, had tightly linked his self-worth and sense of self to his career achievements. This constant striving left him feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. Together, we worked on redefining his relationship with himself, which in turn influenced his vision, goals, and behaviours. This meant making space for family, health, and personal growth. As he broadened his view of success, he found a deeper satisfaction and a renewed passion for his work.
Another critical area is our relationships. Men often struggle with isolation, finding it difficult to reach out even when they need support. But one simple act – opening up – can transform these connections. I often encourage clients to initiate honest conversations with friends, colleagues, and family members. One of my clients recently shared that after he spoke openly about his mental health, his friends began to open up too. In doing so, he realised that vulnerability is not only liberating for oneself but also creates a ripple effect, allowing others to feel safe to share their own struggles. Even small gestures, like asking, “How are you really doing?” can open the door to more meaningful connections. Opening up in this way not only liberates the individual but can also create a profound ripple effect, inspiring others to connect more authentically and spiritually with one another.
This openness is especially important for future generations. When men model vulnerability and emotional openness, they teach boys that it’s okay to express feelings. A client once shared how his willingness to discuss his own struggles had a profound impact on his relationship with his son. By being open, he created an environment where his son felt comfortable talking about his own emotions. In modelling this kind of emotional courage, we empower the next generation to break free from the stigma around men experiencing emotions.
The Workplace Benefits of Conscious Masculinity
When men bring qualities like emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and vulnerability into the workplace, everyone benefits. In one corporate workshop I led, we worked on creating open dialogue around mental health. Senior leaders who shared their own experiences set a powerful example, showing their teams that it’s okay to talk about challenges. As a result, people felt more comfortable seeking support and voicing their needs. When men can show up authentically at work, they support their own mental health and contribute to an environment where everyone can thrive.
This shift is especially crucial in high-stress industries such as law and finance, where pressure to perform can intensify mental health struggles. Many men feel they must sacrifice their wellbeing to stay competitive, avoiding discussions about boundaries and balance for fear of being seen as less committed. However, success in such fields doesn’t have to mean sacrificing personal health. One of my clients, a lawyer in a high-stakes role, initially struggled with the idea of setting boundaries at work. But as he began to redefine success to include balance and self-care, he found he could perform even better. In many ways, redefining masculinity to embrace wellbeing and boundaries makes men stronger and more resilient in the face of workplace pressures.
Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety
True psychological safety means that men feel free to speak openly and potentially admit when they’re struggling without fear of judgement or ridicule. This is transformative, both at work and at home. Leaders can promote this safety by modelling vulnerability themselves, encouraging open conversations, and showing that it’s okay to express challenges. When men, particularly those in leadership, normalise discussing their difficulties, it empowers everyone around them to do the same. A simple acknowledgement of one’s own struggles can be a powerful act of solidarity, especially in male-dominated environments where vulnerability is often seen as weakness.
Key Takeaway: Living Authentically
At the end of the day, redefining masculinity isn’t about abandoning strength; it’s about expanding it. When men embrace self-awareness, empathy, and a deeper connection to their values, they become not only more authentic but also more fulfilled. Living authentically, with boundaries and vulnerability, not only improves men’s lives individually but fosters a positive impact on their families, workplaces, and society as a whole.
As we reflect on this Men’s Mental Health Month and International Men’s Day, let’s embrace the idea that true strength lies in our ability to be genuine, compassionate, and resilient. Redefining masculinity means creating space for men to live in alignment with their values – empowering them, and everyone around them, to thrive.