International Men’s Day seeks to celebrate the positive contributions and achievements of men, plus spotlight important issues affecting men’s health, wellbeing and gender equality.
It provides an opportunity to encourage positive role models, to advocate for a more inclusive society, and to provoke discussion and action relating to issues affecting men’s physical and mental health.
The theme of International Men’s Day 2024 is Positive Male Role Models, which is closely linked to one of the key aims of the day: to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys. Within the workplace, this can be achieved by:
- Supporting male employees’ mental health
- Encouraging men to express their concerns
- Fostering male employees’ development
- Empowering male employees to work autonomously
- Celebrating men’s achievements
At K2, these directives are supported by our Q Culture, which influences every decision, action, and interaction across the company. Q is defined by commitment, passion, courage, friendship, openness, understanding, and selflessness at all levels. It manifests itself both in everyday acts – like making a colleague a cup of coffee on a challenging morning – and in larger decision-making processes during which Managers prioritise the success of their team members above their own.
Senior members of the business, such as managers and employees who have been part of the K2 Family for ten years or longer, should act as Q role models. The success of their teams is intrinsically linked to their fostering of Q Culture. So how do they go about promoting this culture?”
Growth and Development
A cornerstone of Q Culture is investing in the growth of K2 employees. This commitment is realised through the provision of comprehensive training programmes designed to efficiently enhance skills and support continuous career development, helping employees move forward on their professional journey.
It is also achieved on a day-to-day basis by ensuring availability to provide guidance and answer questions. Employees should feel encouraged to seek support wherever needed, thus creating an environment in which personal development thrives. Both these formal and informal actions increase employees’ confidence and ability to work autonomously.
Managing Workloads
A manageable workload is essential to an employee’s wellbeing. Managers and senior employees should be aware of the tasks their team members/colleagues are handling and be prepared to step in and share the load when needed.
Regular one-to-one meetings provide a vital space for employees to voice any concerns about their workload and request support if they are feeling overwhelmed. By fostering an open, non-judgmental environment in which team members can discuss challenges and agree solutions, potential stresses can be mitigated and employee mental health safeguarded.
Recognising Achievements
A simple ‘well done’ or ‘nice job’ can make a world of difference. Part of a manager’s or senior employee’s responsibility for their team and their colleagues is recognising their achievements and acknowledging how they contribute to the overall success of the business. It is essential to show appreciation for the effort that people put in to make them feel valued, motivated and more connected to K2’s goals.
In addition to bestowing praise where praise is due on a daily basis, K2 operates a biannual reward and recognition programme which shines a light on outstanding contributions to our Q Culture. The Q Awards offer the opportunity to celebrate and reward those individuals who have gone above and beyond to make K2 a Great Place To Work®.
By holding Q central to the way in which they conduct their job role, managers, senior employees and indeed any member of the K2 Family can be a positive male role model, making a real difference to the professional and personal lives of their male colleagues. If, as Q directs, they invest in their team/their colleagues, look out for their wellbeing and celebrate their successes, K2 will remain a familial community in which men feel supported, listened to and valued.
Over the next few months, we will be exploring exactly how some of our senior male colleagues act as positive male role models by interviewing the Men of X Annos – men who have been with K2 for ten years or more. In this series of interviews, we will dive into their K2 journeys and showcase their contribution to the building, maintenance and enhancement of Q.
