20/01/2026
💪 At work and beyond, phrases like ‘don’t be soft,’ ‘stop being a girl’s blouse,’ ‘pull yourself together,’ and ‘be strong’ reflect outdated ideas about masculinity — rewarding stoicism, silencing emotions, and ridiculing vulnerability. It highlights the damage that can come from harmful gender norms and expectations. These messages don’t just affect individuals—they shape entire workplace cultures where harmful behaviours are tolerated, even expected.
❗ Introducing our workshop "Just Grow A Pair?: The mental health cost of ‘man up’ culture at work".
💥 This workshop isn’t about blame; it’s about naming the invisible rules many must follow—rules that demand a hard, stoic image of strength while also requiring suppression or hiding of emotions like anger; since expressing them openly is often deemed unacceptable. This double bind punishes vulnerability, forcing people to navigate conflicting expectations.
As a result, many avoid seeking help even in crisis, with evidence showing men are more likely than women to reach breaking point without discussing their mental health due to stigma, fear of judgement, and pressures to appear strong and in control.
🟢 This workshop explores how judgement, bias, and unspoken assumptions can isolate people, escalate conflict, and prevent them from working productively, safely and compassionately. It looks at the consequences of anger, the pressure to perform with strength, and how everyday phrases can reinforce harm. More importantly, it offers tools for change, so we can open up new conversations and better support ourselves and others.
🔶 For any team ready to rethink how expectations are expressed, supported, and discussed, to build a culture of honesty, emotional safety, and meaningful change.
Sound interesting? Get in touch today to find out more:
🌐 www.mindmapswellbeing.com
✉️ info@mindmapswellbeing.com
☎️ 01803 659566
