Men’s Health Awareness Week starts today—and it’s a timely reminder to look beyond the surface of day-to-day operations and consider the impact work can have on wellbeing. For men working shifts—especially in industries like manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, and emergency services—health risks are often higher, and support can be harder to come by.
At MyShiftManager, we believe that healthier teams start with smarter scheduling. As we mark this important awareness week, we want to highlight how shift patterns and scheduling practices directly affect health, and how managers can make a real difference.
Shift Work and Men’s Health: The Hidden Toll
Studies have shown that shift workers are more likely to suffer from a range of physical and mental health issues, including:
- Poor sleep and insomnia
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
Many of the industries that rely heavily on shift work are also male-dominated. That means the impact on men’s health is often under-recognised and under-supported. Add to that the cultural stigma that sometimes discourages men from speaking up about stress or burnout—and you’ve got a recipe for long-term health consequences.
Scheduling Can Be Part of the Solution
You might not be able to eliminate night shifts or weekend rotas—but the way you manage schedules can reduce pressure and improve wellbeing.
Here are three powerful ways managers can help:
1. Give Workers Visibility
Last-minute schedule changes or unclear rotas create anxiety and make it difficult to plan rest, meals, or time with family. A simple calendar view with live updates can make a big difference.
2. Offer Self-Service Options
When staff can manage shift swaps, submit availability, and request time off through an app, they feel more in control—and less dependent on chasing a manager for answers.
3. Strengthen Communication
Many male workers may not openly share when they’re struggling. Tools that support clear, quick, two-way communication can keep them connected and supported without requiring a difficult conversation.
Free Resource: Healthy Shifts Guide
We’ve created a free downloadable guide to help managers understand the health risks of shift work—and the tools that can make a difference.
👉 Download the Healthy Shifts Guide
Learn how better visibility, self-service, and team connection can support a healthier workforce.
Let’s Build Healthier Teams Together
Scheduling isn’t just an operational task—it’s a people issue. When you give your team the tools to manage their work lives more smoothly, you also support their long-term health, happiness, and performance.
This Men’s Health Awareness Week, let’s remember: small changes in how we manage shifts can have a big impact on the wellbeing of the men (and women) who keep essential industries moving.
Try MyShiftManager free for 14 days and see how it helps create a healthier working environment for your team.
Find out more about Men’s Health Awarnesss here – https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/mens-health-week