As we recognise Men’s Mental Health Month, our HSEQ Manager, Steven Aitken, shares in a recent blog why mental health matters and highlights what our team has been doing to raise awareness…
As a global organisation with both remote and on-site teams, it’s vital that every member of staff feels supported, wherever they are. Mental health awareness is absolutely critical across all areas of our business, not just in the field, but in the office too.
At Interocean, we operate in sectors like maritime, offshore energy, and logistics, industries that are inherently high-risk and high-pressure. This means our people, whether offshore, on-site, remote, or in the office, often face demanding workloads, tight deadlines, and complex responsibilities. From my perspective as Interocean’s HSEQ Manager, I’ve seen firsthand how mental health directly impacts safety, performance, and team cohesion.
For field-based staff, challenges may include isolation, fatigue, and physical strain. For office-based or remote colleagues, the pressures are just as real – managing operational logistics, supporting global teams, and handling high volumes of compliance and reporting. Stress, burnout, and mental fatigue don’t discriminate based on where you work, and this is exactly why mental health remains a core part of our wellbeing strategy.
We have trained Mental Health at Work Advisors available to support all employees, regardless of role or location. We’ve created wellbeing channels to encourage open dialogue and peer support, and we’ve launched a digital wellbeing reporting portal where anyone can confidentially raise concerns, seek help, or share feedback. Wellbeing is also a standing agenda item at our HSEQ meetings, ensuring it remains a visible and ongoing priority. These conversations help us identify trends and continuously improve the support we provide to our teams. They also reinforce a simple truth: mental health is part of our safety culture, and everyone’s wellbeing matters.
By embedding mental health into our daily operations and leadership practices, we’re not only supporting individuals, we’re strengthening the entire organisation. A mentally healthy workforce is a safer, more resilient, and more productive one.
Reflecting on Men’s Mental Health Month
With this month marking Men’s Mental Health month, it offered a valuable opportunity to step back and reflect on the importance of supporting the wellbeing of men across our organisation. Although the focus was on men, the conversations and activities we encouraged were designed to bring everyone together, because mental health affects every one of us, regardless of gender.
Throughout the month, we created space for learning, discussion, and connection. A webinar hosted by Aviva invited our male colleagues to engage with expert advice and listen to personal stories that many found both relatable and reassuring. It served as a reminder that men often face unique pressures and that talking openly about them is a powerful step toward breaking stigma.
On the 19th, I delivered a presentation on men’s mental health, exploring why it matters, how my own experiences have shaped my understanding and ability to provide support to others, and how recognition and support for mental wellbeing have evolved over time. We looked at the stigma and practical barriers that often prevent people, especially men, from opening up, and discussed how we can reshape that narrative.
The session also prompted valuable reflection on how to spot signs of strain in ourselves and in others, and how we can offer meaningful support in the workplace. By sharing guidance and highlighting available resources, we reinforced an important message: support is there, and no one needs to navigate difficulties alone.
Following the discussion, our In-House Legal Counsel and Commercial Manager, Sara Cole-Hamilton, led a yoga session that offered a practical demonstration of how simple, mindful movement can ease stress and restore balance. It was inspiring to see colleagues from across the business come together and take part.
Throughout November, we continued adding new content, information, and signposting materials to our Wellbeing Channel, ensuring that everyone could easily access guidance whenever they needed it. As the Mental Health Advisor, I’ve also made myself available for conversations and support, and I remain committed to keeping these discussions active and accessible.
One of the key moments we’re looking forward to is our upcoming Lunch and Learn session with Andy Joss from Men in Mind. We anticipate that his insights, openness, and the Q&A session will provide a valuable opportunity for colleagues to learn more about men’s mental health and the importance of creating safe spaces for open conversation.
We’re also proud to be supporting the charity directly. The £400 funds raised through our company fantasy football league this month will be donated to Men in Mind, with the cheque to be presented on the same day as the session. Andy will additionally be sharing news about the forthcoming launch of Women in Mind, a positive step toward ensuring tailored mental health support is available for all.
Reflecting on the month as a whole, one thing stands out: when we create space for honest conversations, listen without judgement, and take even small steps to care for ourselves and one another, we strengthen not only individuals, but our entire community.
Our commitment to mental health doesn’t begin and end with a single awareness month or campaign. Whether through open dialogue, accessible resources, or initiatives like those we’ve taken part in this month, we remain dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of every colleague. By continuing to champion positive mental health and looking out for one another, we’re building a safer, stronger, and more connected Interocean for everyone.
By Steven Aitken, HSEQ Manager at Interocean
