Movember at Work: How to Run a Move Challenge for Men's Health
Every November, Movember puts men's health in the spotlight. It started with moustaches, but today many people join by moving: the "Move for Movember" challenge asks participants to run or walk 60 km over the month – one kilometer for each of the 60 men lost to suicide every hour around the world. For employers, it is a natural moment to get teams moving and talk openly about men's health. Here is how to run Movember at work.
Table of Contents
Why Men's Health Needs Attention
- Shorter lives. Globally, men live around five years less than women on average.
- Mental health. According to the WHO, men die by suicide at more than twice the rate of women.
- Cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men.
- Fewer check-ups. Men are often less likely to see a doctor early, which can delay diagnosis.
Regular physical activity helps on many of these fronts – from heart health to mood – and a team challenge creates natural opportunities to talk.
How to Run a Movember Challenge at Work
1. Set a Movember Goal
Follow the Movember idea and challenge everyone to walk or run 60 km in November, or set a team target. A distance challenge tracks kilometers automatically, and a collective goal lets the whole company add up its distance together.
2. Make It Inclusive
Movember is about men's health, but everyone can take part and support the cause. Count walking and running, offer a step-based version and let people join as teams. See how to design challenges that include everyone.
3. Fundraise
Link kilometers or milestones to donations for a men's health charity. See how to run a charity challenge your whole company gets behind.
4. Start Conversations
Use the challenge as an opening to talk about mental health. Walking side by side often makes difficult conversations easier – try walking meetings or "walk and talk" check-ins. Make sure employees know where to find support, such as an employee assistance program.
5. Encourage Check-Ups
Invite a health professional to talk about prostate and testicular cancer, heart health and when to see a doctor, and make it easy to book check-ups during work hours.
6. Use the Chat and Celebrate
Share progress, route photos and (of course) moustache photos in the challenge chat. Celebrate the total distance and the money raised at the end of the month.
Overcoming Common Barriers
- "I don't have time." 60 km in a month is about 2 km a day – a 25-minute walk. Short walks at lunch or on the commute add up.
- "It's dark and cold." Walk at lunchtime, wear reflective gear and see 10 hacks to stay active when the days get shorter.
- "I'm not a runner." Walking counts just as much.
- Losing motivation mid-month. Team goals and weekly updates keep momentum going.
Beyond November
Men's health matters all year. Use the momentum from Movember to keep a regular rhythm of challenges, keep mental health on the agenda and remind people about check-ups. For ideas, see the wellness challenge calendar and how wellness challenges improve team mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact a doctor, a local crisis line or emergency services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Move for Movember?
A Movember challenge where participants run or walk 60 km during November to raise awareness and funds for men's health, especially mental health and suicide prevention.
2. How can a company take part in Movember?
Run a team distance challenge, fundraise for a men's health charity, invite a health professional to speak and encourage open conversations about mental health.
3. Can women take part in a Movember challenge?
Yes. Everyone can move, fundraise and support the men in their lives.
4. How do I set up a Movember challenge?
Book a demo and we will help you launch it.
