Honoring Our Workforce on International Men’s Day: A Reflection on Dedication, Skill, and Integrity

Working in the forest products sector is no small task. It demands resilience, a steadfast commitment to safety, and the expertise to adapt to the industry’s unique challenges. Each member of our team navigates these demands in their own way—whether managing the complexities of production, ensuring operational efficiency in remote locations, or tackling the logistical challenges of a global supply chain. Their dedication contributes to Mercer’s success, reflecting our values of integrity, excellence, and responsibility every day.

Recognizing Men’s Health Champions at Mercer: Building a Culture of Support and Resilience

On International Men’s Day, Mercer joins a global effort to bring attention to men’s health, both physical and mental, with a special focus on this year’s theme: Men’s Health Champions. At a time when men make up 75 percent of our workforce, this theme serves as a vital reminder of the responsibilities we share as colleagues, friends, and leaders to foster an environment where men’s well-being is prioritized and protected.

The statistics tell an important story. Across many industries, men face unique challenges that often go unseen. Studies show that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, with a global average of three-quarters of all suicides being men. In the workplace, men are more likely to suffer from stress-related illnesses, with data revealing that around 70 percent of men report that work pressures impact their mental health. For those in physically demanding fields like ours, this impact can be compounded by job-related physical strain and the pressure to “push through” rather than address issues openly.

At Mercer, we understand that championing men’s health requires creating a culture where support is woven into the very fabric of our day-to-day interactions. Working in the forest products industry, our teams face significant physical demands, often in remote and industrial settings where stress, fatigue, and the need for vigilance are constants. Navigating these conditions requires resilience – but not the isolated, stoic kind. Real resilience in a team setting means building communities that encourage open conversations about health, both physical and mental, and foster a collective responsibility for each other’s well-being.

Research on workplace health shows that support networks are crucial in mitigating mental health risks. Men who feel they can rely on their colleagues for support report better mental health outcomes, with a 40 percent reduction in stress-related symptoms among those who participate in wellness initiatives or peer support programs. Knowing that someone “has your back” can make an immeasurable difference – it can even be lifesaving. At Mercer, we take this responsibility seriously. We aim to build an environment where men are not only empowered to look out for their own health but are also encouraged to look out for one another.

Being a Men’s Health Champion isn’t about adopting grand gestures or giving polished speeches; it’s about noticing the quieter, often invisible challenges and stepping in with empathy and support. It’s about changing a culture that has traditionally equated strength with silence. The men at Mercer are fathers, sons, brothers, and partners who carry a range of responsibilities beyond the job. Championing their health means recognizing that resilience includes asking for help and encouraging others to do the same. This isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s essential. Statistics show that workplaces where mental health is openly discussed see a 21 percent increase in productivity and a 30 percent decrease in absenteeism, clear indicators that well-being isn’t just good for people – it’s good for business, too.

Today, as we reflect on the meaning of International Men’s Day, we celebrate the quiet champions among us: those who check in on colleagues, encourage open conversations, and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Let us build on this commitment, knowing that by prioritizing well-being, we are fostering not only a healthier workforce but also a stronger, more resilient company for years to come.