Men, Inclusion and the Workplace: Conversations That Matter
The Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) will host a powerful series of webinars on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, to coincide with Inclusion at Work Week and International Men’s Day.
Titled “Men, Inclusion and the Workplace,” the program explores how businesses can better support men’s health, wellbeing, and inclusion in diverse work environments — and how this, in turn, benefits everyone.
Across six sessions, experts from around Australia will share research, lived experience and practical tools for creating safer, fairer and more connected workplaces.
Balancing Work and Family
The first session, “The Fathering Project – Resettling from Home to Work,” features Rodney Eade, Partnerships Manager, and Terry McAleenan from The Fathering Project. They’ll discuss how workplaces can better support fathers in balancing professional and family responsibilities. With decades of experience in leadership, team building and family engagement, Eade and McAleenan will show how father-friendly workplaces enhance wellbeing and productivity.
Time: 9.30am - 10.30am AEDT
DATE CHANGE: 19th NOVEMBER
Register here
Supporting Mates Through Tough Times
AMHF CEO Glen Poole will present “How to Help a Workmate Who’s Doing It Tough,” based on the Know Your Man Facts toolkit. The webinar highlights practical ways to engage men in mental health conversations. Participants will learn how to spot the signs a colleague may be struggling, how to have meaningful conversations, and how to connect men to the help they need. The session challenges the stereotype that “men don’t talk,” showing that when equipped with the right approach, men do open up — and workplaces can play a vital role in that.
Time: 11am
Register here
Tackling Bullying and Building Bonds
“Bullying, Bantering and Building Social Bonds,” brings together panellists Kurt Piron (Griffith University), Gene Moore (Monash University) and Jonathan Bedloe (Men’s Resources Tasmania), chaired by AMHF CEO Glen Poole. The discussion will unpack the fine line between healthy banter and bullying, the impact of workplace homophobia, and how positive peer connections can protect men’s mental health. Drawing on academic research and on-the-ground experience, the panel will explore how workplaces can encourage camaraderie without harm.
Time: 12.30pm - 1.45pm AEDT
Register here
Creating Father-Friendly Workplaces
Tom Docking, CEO and founder of Dads Group, leads “The Importance of Creating Father-Friendly Workplaces.” A social entrepreneur and community leader, Docking has championed father-inclusive programs that strengthen family connections during early parenthood. His initiatives — including Man With a Pram and the nationally recognised Integrated Model of Care for Fathers in the Perinatal Period — show how inclusive practices in workplaces and health systems can improve outcomes for parents and children alike.
Time: 2pm - 2.45pm AEDT
Register here
Men Leading the Change
The fifth webinar, “Leading the Change: How Men in Leadership Can Drive Gender Equity and Inclusion at Work,” features Dr Ashley McGrath, CEO of CEOs for Gender Equity. McGrath will discuss how men in leadership positions can champion gender equity by fixing systems rather than assigning blame. With insights from over 90 CEOs in her network, she’ll outline concrete steps leaders can take to embed inclusion — from flexible work policies and parental support to challenging outdated gender norms. Her central message: when men lead with empathy, inclusion benefits everyone.
Time: 2.45pm - 3.30pm AEDT
Register here
Overcoming Barriers for Culturally Diverse Men
The final session, “Barriers to Inclusion – The Experiences of Culturally Diverse Men in Australian Workplaces,” shines a light on the challenges faced by CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) men. Panellists include Ukash Ahmed (Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia), Victor Adeseolu (social worker and cultural inclusion specialist), and Jal David (Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania). Each will share their personal and professional insights on how race, culture and lived experience shape men’s opportunities and wellbeing at work. Their stories reveal both the resilience of culturally diverse men and the systemic change needed to ensure true inclusion.
Time: 3.30pm - 4.45pm AEDT
Register here