International Men’s Day, observed on 19 November, was established in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Jerome Tulucksingh officially designated the date in honour of his father’s birthday.  Twenty-six years on, it is now celebrated in over 80 countries to raise awareness of the social issues men face, both mentally and physically. It is used to recognise men as positive agents of change in society and to highlight their roles as active members of families, friends, and as role models.

While sustainability is often viewed through an environmental stewardship lens, an overlooked aspect is social inclusivity. This generally means organisations ensuring that their people, the communities where they operate, and stakeholders are treated fairly. That they are treated with dignity and given equal opportunities, not just in ways that benefit the company but also in ways that ensure their personal well-being. 

Men are a vital pillar of the systems that make life easier and better. When we consider infrastructure, governance, and technology, we think of men who developed these systems through passion and hard work.

Celebrating men in the workplace on special days like International Men’s Day can take various forms, including casual, enjoyable activities; professional development and support; health and well-being initiatives; or recognition through awards.

If the focus is on health and well-being, organise a health and wellness session with a guest speaker or hold a “Know Your Man Facts” talk on topics such as mental health, prostate cancer screening, or fitness. They could also offer sessions to address challenges like career progression or parental transition, and promote a team fitness activity, such as a lunchtime walk. Additionally, to foster mental health discussions, they can create a safe space for men to share their experiences and challenges, either by hosting an informal forum or by empowering managers to discuss mental health in one-on-one meetings.

To show appreciation, companies can organise a small gathering to thank male colleagues, perhaps with fun, informal awards for specific contributions or for being excellent team motivators. Another option is to invite staff to nominate their favourite male role models in the workplace and emphasise their positive influence.

For enjoyable activities, organisations can host a morning or afternoon tea, organise a casual coffee or tea break to show appreciation, or take the team out or order in a special lunch to celebrate.

Employees who feel appreciated are much more likely to be engaged in their work, leading to higher levels of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment. Consequently, this results in high performance and improves the overall outputs and yields. Therefore, this should be a priority for organisations to promote social sustainability, as it will boost overall performance.