Celebrating Men in Our Workplace: Stories of Fatherhood, Wellbeing, and Work-Life Balance

*Please note, this blog post discusses sensitive topics related to suicide and mental health

Today we come together to celebrate International Men’s Day and we’re taking a moment to shine a light on the men in our workplace. This day is an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations, raise awareness, and show support for the health and wellbeing of men and boys everywhere.

With this year’s themes, "Celebrating Men and Boys" and "Supporting Men and Boys", we’re recognising the positive impact men make in their families, communities, and professional lives, while also highlighting the importance of mental health support and open conversation.

Here, members of the Taylor Rose team share their personal journeys—honest reflections on fatherhood, navigating work-life balance, and maintaining mental wellbeing. Their stories remind us that support, understanding, and community matter.

Fatherhood & Work

Paul Thompson, Professional Standards Support Officer: “Historically, my experience with fatherhood and work-life balance has been terrible, but since joining Taylor Rose this has improved tremendously. I now have the time and availability to be present with my children and grandchildren.

This change has allowed me to fully participate in their daily lives, creating moments and memories I wasn’t able to experience with my older children. It’s been a meaningful change, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give more of myself to my family. Something that I have Taylor Rose to thank for.”

Rachel Reeve, HR Director: “At Taylor Rose we understand that flexible working and work-life balance is not just for mums. It’s about creating a space for people to get the support they need and we’re committed to supporting every colleague—professionally and personally.”

Celebrating Men in the workplace

Rachel Beynon, Legal Assistant: “I would like to send a huge thank you and acknowledgement about my colleague Chris Williams. He is the only male that works in the office with 7 women, and he handles is very well. He’s our biggest cheerleader and supports every one of us 110% of the time. If we are having a particularly stressful day, he’s the first one to cheer us up with a positive outlook, a joke, chocolate or a hug.

Our office would not be the same without him… He is such an incredible asset to our team. He is also an amazing husband and father to his son.”

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Anonymous Taylor Rose Consultant: “Men’s mental health is something that really hits close to my heart. I lost my best friend, Adam, from Suicide when he was 18. He had his whole life ahead of him, a loving home and a loving family who didn’t realise what was going on inside his head. He kept his depression a secret and was dealing with these demons every day, slowly losing the battle with himself.

After he sadly took his own life, every year me and my friends come together to buy his mum and sister flowers on their birthday. Nothing special, just a reminder that we are so grateful for life and that they shouldn’t be alone. It has now become a beautiful tradition, and I think more often Men should learn to talk to their friends about how they are genuinely feeling.”

Thank you to all who had the courage to share their stories today. We know that speaking openly about mental health and personal challenges isn’t always easy, and we’re deeply grateful for the honesty and vulnerability our team have shown.

As we celebrate International Men’s Day, these stories remind us why creating a supportive, understanding workplace matters—one where every colleague feels safe to speak up, seek help, and be themselves. We’re proud of the men in our team who have shared their experiences, and we hope their voices encourage others to reflect, connect, and continue these important conversations.

Let’s keep celebrating, supporting, and standing alongside the men and boys in our lives—today and every day.