Workplace men's circles
Starting a men's group at work
A workplace men's circle is a regular, facilitated space where men can talk honestly, or just listen. Here's how it works and what makes it succeed.
6 min readUpdated 21 October 2026By MENd Together CIC
What a workplace men's circle is
A men's circle is a small group that meets regularly with a facilitator. People take turns to speak if they want to, and the rest listen without interrupting, fixing or judging. Nobody has to share, and listening counts.
In a workplace, a circle gives men somewhere to put down the pressure they're carrying, at work and outside it, alongside colleagues who often turn out to be carrying similar things.
What makes it feel safe
- An experienced facilitator who holds the space and keeps it on track
- Clear agreements about confidentiality and respect, made at the start
- No pressure to speak, and no managers "checking in" on what's said
- A regular rhythm, so it becomes normal rather than a one-off
- A clear route to further support for anyone who needs it
Getting one started
Start small, with a pilot of a few sessions, and let people opt in. Choose a time and place that suits your shift patterns, and decide whether managers and their teams should be in the same circle.
MENd Together facilitates workplace men's circles for employers, and runs a monthly community men's circle near Canterbury. We can talk through what would work for your organisation.
For employers
Support for the men in your workforce
MENd Together is a Community Interest Company delivering practical, confidential men's wellbeing support for employers: workplace men's circles, workshops, one-to-one support, drop-ins, leadership support and ongoing partnerships, shaped around your workforce.
Common questions
- Is a men's circle therapy?
- No. It's facilitated peer support: a structured space to talk and listen. It can sit alongside counselling and occupational health, but it isn't a replacement for them.
- What if nobody talks?
- That's normal at first. A good facilitator makes silence comfortable, and people usually start to open up once they've seen the space is safe.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or clinical advice. MENd Together is not a crisis service. If someone is at immediate risk, call 999.