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Newsletter – June 2025

💪 Men’s Health Matters: How Small Steps Can Make a Big Impact in Your Workplace!
Welcome to the June edition of My HR Specialist!
 
June gives us the chance to talk about something that doesn’t always make it into the workplace wellness conversation—but absolutely should: men’s health.

While employee well-being is more visible than ever, many men still prioritize pushing forward over pausing to check in on their health. As leaders and business owners, we have a real opportunity to create a culture where everyone feels supported in taking small steps toward better health. This month, we’ll explore practical ways to champion men’s health at work—because healthy teams are unstoppable teams. 💼💙💪
➡️ Why It Matters
Let’s be honest—most guys aren’t rushing to schedule that annual checkup or talk about stress over lunch. But the impact of that silence is serious.
According to the CDC, men die nearly five years earlier than women on average. Many of the top causes—like heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic stress—are preventable. Still, most men wait until there’s a crisis to get help. And that affects more than just personal health—it shows up at work, too.
Here’s what that can look like:
  • More missed workdays due to undiagnosed or untreated conditions
  • Rising burnout and lower engagement
  • Costly health claims down the road
This isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about running a healthier business. The earlier we support men’s well-being, the better it is for everyone.
 
📉 Consider This:
  • Only 3 in 5 men get yearly checkups
  • Depression is underdiagnosed in men, yet it’s a leading cause of lost productivity
  • Cultural norms still tell men to “tough it out,” especially at work
  • Suicide rates among men remain significantly higher than among women
When men don’t feel safe or supported to speak up, we all lose out—on connection, productivity, and human potential.
 
🧱 What Gets in the Way
So why don’t more men speak up or take time for their health?
It’s not because they don’t care. Most are juggling responsibilities and expectations that make it hard to hit pause.
Some common barriers:
  • Stigma – Worry that asking for help will be seen as weakness
  • Guilt – Fear of being seen as less committed to work
  • One-size-fits-all wellness programs – Many don’t feel relevant or accessible
  • Lack of leadership modeling – If leaders don’t talk about health, others won’t either
Understanding these blockers helps us design better, more inclusive support systems.
 
What You Can Do (It’s Easier Than You Think)
You don’t need a massive budget or new program to make a difference. The best changes often start small:
  • Offer flexibility – Let people know it’s okay to take time for doctor’s appointments or mental health days
  • Tailor benefits – Include male-focused options like virtual fitness coaching, stress reduction programs, or health talks
  • Lead by example – Talk about your own wellness routines (or challenges!) to make it safe for others to do the same
  • Check in with empathy – A simple “how are you really doing?” can go a long way
Small steps. Big impact!

To honor Men’s Health Month, we’ve reached out to a few respected male leaders in our community to share their perspective. You might see a familiar name (maybe even yours 👀) featured in this month’s spotlight section. Just a few words about how you prioritize your health, manage stress, or set an example can inspire others to do the same.

How does health affect your leadership?

What I've come to find over the years is that health is the most foundational piece. The world of business, the world of leadership, and the world of management is about performance. Without your health—without my health—performance suffers.

You can see it in professional sports: if someone is not healthy or is injured, they are not able to play at 100% on the court. 
Health is a foundational piece behind everything we do!

 
✅Health is the hidden engine behind every high performer.
 
Want to hear more? Watch his full response in this short video 🎥  https://youtube.com/shorts/sPZAxwOGMzI?feature=share
You’re off the grid for one hour—no calls, no emails, no meetings.
What would you be doing?

As I reflect on Men’s Health Awareness Month, I prioritize my time to take a minimum 30-minute walk every day to reflect and to be grateful. Being in that space mentally allows time to create my thoughts and visualize living my best life and what I want to create next.

Glenn’s words are a great reminder that health isn’t just physical—it’s also about creating space to reflect, be present, and lead with intention. 

How do you prioritize your mental health while leading others?

Taking care of my health is a must—it's a priority! I have a responsibility to be a role model—not just in the services we provide, but in how I show up every day. I believe that we, as leaders, should teach others by example... by our own actions.

Taking care of my health is part of my routine.

✅Health isn’t extra—it’s part of the job when you lead by example.

Want to hear more? Watch his full response in this short video 🎥  https://youtube.com/shorts/GpfB4ZVSW50?feature=share

In your experience, how does taking care of your health make you a stronger leader—or even a better boss?

Taking care of my physical and mental health has made me a better leader. When I prioritize my well-being, I bring a clearer mind, steadier focus, and greater resilience to every challenge.

I work out at least four times a week and start my day early—up by 5:45 a.m. to hit the gym. That routine energizes me, sharpens my thinking, and sets a productive tone. Because I’ve invested in my health, I handle pressure better, make thoughtful decisions, and show up fully for my team.

More importantly, I believe leadership is about setting an example. By taking care of myself, I encourage my team to value their own well-being. I promote balance between work, health, family, and rest because it leads to sustainable performance and a healthier team culture.

Strong leadership isn’t just about results, it’s about modeling the habits that help everyone thrive. For me, that starts with health.

✅Strong leaders don’t just carry the weight—they train for it. Health is the quiet strength behind every wise decision and steady hand.
👨‍👧 Happy Father’s Day!
 
Thank you ❤️ to all the dads, papás, abuelitos, and father figures whose quiet strength, steady presence, and everyday support shape lives in powerful ways. Wishing you a meaningful and joyful Father’s Day.
 

💌 A Personal Note from Carmen

In the spirit of Father's Day, I’d love to share a heartfelt moment from my own family. This year feels extra special — watching my son Brian step into fatherhood has been such a joy. Little Brooklyn is lucky to have such a caring (and fun!) dad, and I’m one proud mom and grandma! 💙✨

Men in California have a higher rate of preventable hospitalizations compared to women, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes—conditions that can often be managed with early intervention and lifestyle changes.

Source: California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Men’s Health Data Brief, 2022


 

Only 29% of working men report having enough time for themselves outside of work.
Poor work-life balance is linked to higher rates of burnout, depression, and poor physical health.


Source: American Time Use Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

 
As we wrap up this month’s discussion on Men’s Health Awareness: Small Steps, Big Impact for Male Employees, one thing is clear—supporting men’s well-being at work starts with a culture shaped by strong, intentional leadership.

As Carmen Torres highlights in The Smart HR Solution, leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about tone.When leaders communicate clearly and set consistent standards, they create an environment where employees feel respected and grounded. For male employees especially, this kind of stability and trust can make it easier to open up, seek support, and prioritize their health.
Looking for more expert tips? 📘 Get your hands on The Smart HR Solution!
🛒 ORDER NOW
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