International Men's Day is on Thursday 19 November 2026. It is a day to celebrate the positive contribution men make to families, workplaces and communities, and to talk openly about the health issues that affect them. For employers, it is a good moment to do something practical. Below are ten International Men's Day ideas for the workplace, plus simple ways to keep the conversation going once the day has passed.
When is International Men's Day 2026?
International Men's Day is held on 19 November every year. In 2026 it falls on a Thursday. The day was started in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and is now marked in dozens of countries, including Australia. Each year has a theme, which is published on the official International Men's Day website.
Is there a national men's day in Australia? Australia does not have a separate national men's day. Australians mark International Men's Day on 19 November, and Men's Health Week each June. November is also Movember, when many workplaces raise funds for men's health.
Why International Men's Day matters at work
Men are less likely than women to seek help for their mental health, and in Australia men account for around three in every four deaths by suicide, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Beyond Blue estimates that one in eight men will experience depression and one in five will experience anxiety at some point in their lives.
Work plays a big part in this picture. Long hours, job insecurity and the pressure to keep it together can all build up, and many men find it easier to talk shoulder to shoulder than face to face. That is where a workplace can help: by creating easy, low-pressure ways to check in, and by making support visible before it is needed. We have written more about this in our guide to men's mental health in the workplace.
10 International Men's Day ideas for the workplace
1. Walk and talk
Invite the team on a 30-minute walk at lunchtime. Walking side by side takes the pressure off conversation, and a bit of fresh air helps everyone.
2. Breakfast with a guest speaker
Book a speaker with lived experience, or a men's health organisation, to talk over breakfast. A real story often does more than any statistic.
3. A team sound bath or guided meditation
Many men tell us they find it hard to switch off. A guided sound meditation gives the team permission to stop, lie down and let the nervous system settle, with no talking required. We run sessions at our South Melbourne studio and at workplaces across Melbourne.
4. Shoulder-to-shoulder activities
Organise something hands-on: a barbecue, a working bee, a cooking session or a sports afternoon. People open up more easily when their hands are busy.
5. Mental health check-in training for managers
Give managers practical skills to notice changes in a team member and start a conversation. Mental Health First Aid and similar courses are widely available.
6. Remind everyone about the EAP
If you have an Employee Assistance Program, share how to use it, what it costs (usually nothing) and that it is confidential. Many people forget it exists.
7. A Movember team
Sign up a workplace team for Movember. Growing a mo or committing to a daily walk is a fun, shared way to raise money and start conversations.
8. A health check reminder
Encourage the men on your team to book a check-up with their GP. Some workplaces arrange on-site health checks or give people an hour off to attend.
9. A recognition moment
Take five minutes in a team meeting to recognise the men in your workplace for something specific they have contributed this year.
10. A quiet space
Set aside a room where anyone can take ten minutes to reset during the day. Make it clear it is there for everyone, every day, not only on 19 November.
Ideas at a glance
| Idea | Effort | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk and talk | Low | Free | Any team |
| Breakfast with a speaker | Medium | Low to medium | Medium to large teams |
| Sound bath or meditation | Low | Medium | Busy, high-pressure teams |
| Shoulder-to-shoulder activity | Medium | Low | Hands-on teams |
| Manager check-in training | Medium | Medium | Leaders |
| EAP reminder | Low | Free | Every workplace |
| Movember team | Low | Free | Social teams |
| Health check reminder | Low | Free to low | Every workplace |
| Recognition moment | Low | Free | Any team |
| Quiet space | Medium | Low | Office-based teams |
How to keep the conversation going after the day
One day of awareness is a start, but it is the everyday habits that make a difference. A few that work:
- Make regular one-on-one check-ins about the person, not only the project.
- Have leaders talk openly about their own ways of managing stress.
- Build short breaks and reasonable finish times into the working week.
- Put support services somewhere everyone can see them, such as the kitchen or the intranet.
- Plan for June's Men's Health Week now. Our article on men's health and workplace burnout has more ideas.
Support services
If you or someone you work with needs support, these services are free and available across Australia:
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours a day
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, 24 hours a day
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- In an emergency, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Men's Day?
International Men's Day is on 19 November every year. In 2026 it falls on Thursday 19 November.
Is there an International Men's Day in Australia?
Yes. Australia marks International Men's Day on 19 November, along with Men's Health Week in June and Movember throughout November.
What can a workplace do for International Men's Day?
Simple ideas include a walk and talk, a breakfast with a guest speaker, a team meditation, a Movember team and a reminder about the Employee Assistance Program.
Give your team a moment to reset
If you would like to mark International Men's Day with something that genuinely helps your team slow down, we would love to help. Send us an enquiry and we will tailor a session to your team and your day. Thank you for looking out for the people you work with.