A talk on men's wellbeing and respect at work
A 45 to 60 minute session for corporate employers that opens up the pressures many men carry quietly, and gives leaders and boards clear steps to act on.
What the talk covers
The talk lifts the stigma on everyday issues many men carry quietly: health, money and debt, grief, family pressure and harassment. It also covers culture, age and respect in both directions, such as young men being dismissed and older men being mocked.
Brenda leads it as a facilitated session for staff, leaders and boards. Many employers book it for International Men's Day on 19 November, and it works at any time of year.
It ends with practical steps for leaders and the board, so that every man and woman at work belongs, is safe and is respected. The talk does not centre on suicide. It stays on relatable, everyday issues, with fictional examples drawn from Kenyan and African workplaces.
How the talk works
- Fictional, locally grounded scenarios, with content notes and permission to step out
- Short, practical tools people can use straight away: ask twice, the five Ds of bystander intervention, and what to say and what to avoid
- Gender nuance throughout, for example how a woman checking in on a male colleague may be read
- Quiet reflection questions, so nobody has to share personal stories
- A board and leadership segment with a strategic view and questions to ask management
- Anonymous feedback, a one page summary for management and a follow up at 30 days
What changes
For participants
- Better at noticing when a colleague is struggling, and starting the conversation
- Confidence to speak up, or step in as a bystander, without making things worse
- A clearer understanding of respect across gender and age
- Language and tools that work in a Kenyan workplace
- Less stigma, so people use the employee assistance programme (EAP), including confidential counselling and mental health support, and their medical cover earlier
For the organisation
- Earlier support, which means fewer crises, less burnout and fewer sick days
- Stronger retention, especially of young and experienced staff
- Lower conduct risk, because harassment of men is recognised and reportable
- Visible leadership on wellbeing, with clear next steps for the board
Common questions
Can the talk be held outside International Men's Day?
Yes. Many employers book it for International Men's Day on 19 November, but it works at any time of year, for staff, leaders or the board.
Does the talk deal with suicide?
No. It stays on everyday issues such as health, money and debt, grief, family pressure and harassment, using fictional examples from Kenyan and African workplaces.
Will anyone have to share personal stories?
No. Reflection questions are answered quietly, content notes come before each scenario, and anyone can step out at any time.
Can it run alongside Safe Workspaces training?
Yes. It works on its own or as part of a wellbeing and safety series with Respect at Work and Beneath the Surface.
How much does the talk cost?
It depends on the format and the size of the audience. Book a free call and we will send a quote.
Book the talk for your workplace
Tell us your audience, your date and whether you want it for International Men's Day.