On 19th November, International Men’s Day celebrates men and boys in all their diversity. This year’s theme emphasised the positive role men can play as agents of change within their families, workplaces, and communities, with a focus on men’s health, well-being, and parenthood.
Highlighting men’s mental health
At RECCo, we marked the occasion with a video discussion featuring Wellbeing Coach Rebecca Liljendahl and Personal Development Coach Jamie Symonds. They explored men’s mental health, encouraging conversations tackling challenges like isolation and the pressures of modern life.
Supporting mental health is a priority at RECCo. We offer a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and have two accredited Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) on our team.
MHFAiders identify and support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges, initiating supportive conversations and guiding individuals towards appropriate support.
Empowering the next generation
RECCo supports staff in giving back to their communities through two paid volunteering days per year. Recently, Operations Consultant Jonny Moore volunteered at a local school, helping Year 11 students develop essential life and career skills. Reflecting on International Men’s Day, Jonny said:
“It’s a good opportunity to pause and consider the evolving role of men in today’s society, the responsibility that men have in providing positive role models to young boys and adolescents growing up, and the potential unique health challenges that men face in regard to mental health.”
Championing fatherhood and parental equality
Fatherhood is another key theme of International Men’s Day. Earlier this year, Pete Davies, RECCo’s Director of Data, Technology, and Transformation, shared his experience with Shared Parental Leave (SPL).
In the UK, SPL allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay. While many companies only offer statutory pay, RECCo provides enhanced SPL benefits, including periods of full and half pay. Pete highlighted the impact:
“I would recommend it to anybody, whether you’re a Mum, Dad or partner. It’s awesome that RECCo offers equal parental leave rights, regardless of gender. This ensures that both parents can enjoy the benefits without any discrimination.”
Looking ahead
At RECCo, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing their challenges and strengths. As we move forward, we’ll continue to celebrate the diversity and contributions of our employees while addressing the unique issues they face. By prioritising wellbeing and inclusion, we aim to create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
