Guide for workplaces
Young men are entering the workforce under intense pressure, and current workplace wellbeing approaches aren’t meeting their needs. This free guide explores what’s really happening, why it matters, and what employers can do to build safer, stronger teams.
Young men are struggling, and workplaces are feeling the impact.
75% of mental health issues emerge before the age of 24, yet many young men don’t seek support until years later. In the workplace, this can show up as disengagement, conflict, absenteeism, safety risks and turnover.
While most organisations offer wellbeing initiatives, many young men report that these supports feel generic, inaccessible or unrelatable, leading to low engagement despite high need.
This disconnect creates real psychosocial risks for individuals, teams and organisations.
Download the Free Guide
If your organisation employs young men or is seeing rising wellbeing, engagement or safety challenges, this guide is essential. You’ll learn:
- Why there is a disconnect between employers and young male employees
- How early-career stress impacts wellbeing, relationships and business outcomes
- Why common approaches like EAPs and awareness days often fall short
- The four design principles behind effective workplace mental health programs for young men
- What young men themselves say they need from their workplace
- Practical actions leaders and managers can take right now
Why employers connect with Top Blokes
Evidence-based and trusted
For nearly two decades, Top Blokes has worked with thousands of young men across Australia. Our workplace mentoring programs are backed by research and evaluation, giving employers clear evidence of impact on engagement, resilience and culture.
Compliance and care
We align with Safe Work Australia, state guidelines and ISO psychosocial risk standards. That means we help employers meet their obligations – but we go further, creating workplaces where young men feel safe, seen and heard.
Specialists in engaging young men
This is our area of expertise. We understand the unique challenges men face in the early years of their careers. Our mentoring equips them with the confidence, skills and support to thrive as employees, and respectful contributors to their teams and communities.
Relatable, qualified mentors
Our facilitators combine professional qualifications with real-world experience. They’re relatable role models who create spaces where men feel comfortable opening up, asking questions and growing together.
You said…
I didn’t realise how much I was cooping up things that were bothering me and this course gave me the skills to be able to deal with these issues and address them at the forefront instead of letting them be pushed to the side
Top Blokes participant
Top Blokes has been by far the most significant program I have done in the RAAF. The shared experiences and open discussion between the guys was invaluable.
Top Blokes participant
My lightbulb moment was realising that everyone has the same struggles that no one ever talks about.
Top Blokes participant
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a series of sessions rather than a single workshop?
Our workplace mental health program is built on consistency and trust. By meeting weekly, young male participants have time to reflect on what they’ve learned, apply new behaviours in the workplace, and return to share what’s working – or not. This steady rhythm builds stronger trust, momentum, and lasting change compared with a single one-off workshop. It also reinforces positive habits that strengthen team culture and communication over time.
Can you tailor the program to our workplace?
Absolutely. Every workplace wellbeing program is co-designed with you to align with your business goals, workforce demographics, and young-male cohort. We keep groups small to create a psychologically safe workplace and integrate key themes such as communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, resilience, relationships, and financial wellbeing (“Future You”). You’ll also receive ongoing check-ins and progress updates throughout delivery.
What outcomes can we expect?
While results depend on each organisation and cohort, our mentoring programs for young male employees consistently deliver measurable outcomes such as:
– Improved confidence, engagement, and communication among young male employees
– Stronger team cohesion and connection with management
– Lower absenteeism and higher retention rates
– Enhanced psychological safety and a more inclusive workplace culture
These outcomes are directly linked to improvements in wellbeing, performance, and workplace morale.
How do you measure outcomes and demonstrate return on investment (ROI)?
We believe every workplace mental health initiative should be measurable. We use pre- and post-program surveys, along with qualitative feedback, to track changes in wellbeing, communication, resilience, and team culture. At program completion, you’ll receive a detailed impact report demonstrating measurable ROI – including indicators like retention, absenteeism, and team cohesion. These outcomes also help evidence compliance with WHS and psychosocial safety obligations.
Which young men are suitable for the program?
The program is designed for young male employees aged 18–24, particularly those early in their careers who may benefit from mentoring, reflection, and connection with peers. It’s ideal for young men transitioning into trades, new graduates, apprentices, or staff in shift-based roles. We’ll tailor participant selection with you to ensure it aligns with your workplace goals and team culture.
What’s the role of managers and supervisors in the program?
Managers play a key part in sustaining impact. Throughout the program, they receive regular check-ins and guidance to support their young team members. This helps reinforce learning on the job and builds a workplace culture that feels safe, inclusive, and supportive. When both individuals and their environment grow together, change is lasting and measurable.
If we have regional or hybrid teams, can the program still work?
Yes – we offer flexible delivery. The Top Blokes Workplace Program can be delivered in person, online, or as a blended model to suit regional and hybrid teams. The key is maintaining the weekly rhythm and peer connection that drives trust and engagement. We’ll work with you to ensure the format fits your context and logistics.
Can we integrate the program into our existing L&D or HR initiatives?
Definitely. We regularly partner with HR, L&D and WHS teams to align our model with existing leadership development, graduate programs, or mental health and wellbeing strategies. Integration ensures the program becomes a seamless part of your people and culture framework – not a standalone initiative. It can also support your psychosocial risk management plan and enhance overall organisational wellbeing.