In the last decade or so, we've seen a sea-change when it comes to societal attitudes towards mental health. The days when people were expected to bury emotional problems and hide them away are, thankfully, in the past. Nowadays, the overwhelming advice from the authorities and the media is to find someone to talk to, whether that be a friend or professional, and anyone who does so is now considered brave, not weak.But old habits die hard. And many men, in particular, are wedded to more traditional ways of thinking — like remaining strong, silent and resilient, no matter what inner turmoil they are suffering from. The result is that suicide is the biggest cause of death today in men under the age of 50, and around 3 out of 4 deaths by suicides each year are men. Help from employersThe good news is that employers are increasingly recognising the need to address this issue within the workplace. And employee benefits are emerging as a critical tool in fostering mental health support, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting a healthier work environment for men.We know that helping men with their mental health is the right thing to do morally, but there's also a business case for it. Untreated mental health issues typically lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained workplace relationships. Now recognising these challenges, employers are finally taking steps to dismantle the stigma surrounding men's mental health and provide the necessary support.How employee benefits helpEmployee benefits have traditionally focused on physical health, but the tide is turning as employers acknowledge the significance of mental wellbeing. Comprehensive benefit packages that address mental health concerns are becoming a cornerstone of many workplaces, especially with key elements such as: Confidential counselling: This allows employees to discuss their mental health challenges with trained professionals. Education: Resources, workshops and campaigns can help employees understand mental health issues, reduce stereotypes, and promote a culture of understanding and empathy within the workplace.Health and wellness initiatives: Through offering support in areas such as fitness, mindfulness and stress management, employers can create a holistic approach that supports the diverse needs of their workforce.The problem: engagementThere's just one problem, though — it's one thing for companies to provide mental health help, but it’s another for employees to accept it.And as we've discussed, men are traditionally more resistant to accepting help when it comes to feelings and emotions.For this reason, it's important that businesses move beyond just offering mental health support, and start developing a framework where employees will happily engage with that support. YuLife is at the forefront of this space, thanks to its hugely successful employee app, which has achieved industry-leading levels of engagement. Here are 5 ways that partnering with YuLife can help businesses support their employees with mental health challenges:1. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Yulife provides its members with access to an EAP, offering confidential counselling and support services for various mental health concerns. They can access this support directly from the YuLife app, which is typically downloaded by 80-90% of staff due to its game-like mechanics and promise of rewards for completing wellness tasks.2. Mental health hotlineYulife offers a 24/7 mental health hotline staffed by trained professionals who can provide immediate support and guidance. This means employees can get help when they're most vulnerable: they don't have to wait until office hours begin, and they don't have to involve their boss or colleagues.3. Mental health content and resourcesYulife's app features informative articles, podcasts, and webinars on various mental health topics relevant to men, such as stress management, coping with anxiety and depression, and building healthy relationships. It also provides a centralised place for any mental health content specific to the company to reside. 4. Promoting healthy habitsThe YuLife app encourages healthy habits like walking, cycling, and mindfulness exercises. These practices can positively impact mental wellbeing by reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and fostering emotional resilience. Yulife incentivises healthy behaviours through its rewards programme, based on YuCoin which can be exchanged for shopping vouchers or donated to charity.About YuLife.YuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work? Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.