How Aldi is breaking the stigma on men’s mental health
Culture in action
How Aldi is breaking the stigma on men’s mental health
On paper, retail looks like numbers. But behind every number is a person. And that’s where the real story starts. And in every conversation I have, from the shop floor to the boardroom, it’s people who make the difference. People who hold the culture.
It’s interesting (and often really hard) to get a true sense of a company. Take away the posters and slogans, and what are you left with? Is this a good company? A place where people feel seen?
It's easy to say you're a people-first business is easy. Living it is something else.
That’s why I wanted to share Patrick’s story in full. Because this is what it actually looks like to show up for your team.
Breaking the stigma on mental health in the workplace
Aldi colleague Patrick shares his story
Nurturing mental health in the workplace is vital, not only for the wellbeing of colleagues, but also for the success of a business. Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of mental wellbeing but also serves as a reminder that mental health is there to be supported 365 days a year, which Aldi is proud to champion.
Patrick joined Aldi in 2021 as a Transport Deputy Manager and progressed to Transport Section Leader in 2024. Like many, he faced mental health challenges when navigating a tricky period, which naturally affected every area of his life, including work. Patrick has shared his personal journey with mental health, how Aldi supported him, and why he believes businesses must prioritise mental wellbeing all year round.
In 2022, Patrick was shaken by news that reopened old wounds and prompted him to seek help. Encouraged by his partner, he visited his GP and met with a mental health nurse. He recalls:
“I started by crying for 10 minutes straight before I could even speak. I felt silly — especially as a man, because there can be a stigma around showing emotion. But I learned that letting your feelings out doesn’t make you any less of a man.”
Throughout his journey, Patrick felt truly supported by his manager, who went above and beyond to make him feel comfortable at work.
“My manager visited me at home and took me out for coffee. That gentle, caring approach meant a lot. They listened and were incredibly accommodating.”
That moment marked the beginning of his healing journey. He learned that no one should feel ashamed asking for help, and it turned out to be the best decision he made.
Aldi offers a range of support options for colleagues, including through its partnership with the Retail Trust which provides a free 24/7 helpline available for all its colleagues, as well as flexible working arrangements to accommodate appointments.
Kelly Stokes, HR Director at Aldi UK, said:
“This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind our colleagues that it’s okay to ask for help when you’re not feeling your best. We all have a unique journey with mental health, and we encourage our colleagues to speak with their colleagues and managers who can assist them in finding the right resources to help them.
“Our people are paramount to our business, so we want to ensure they feel their best. This is why we provide all colleagues with access to the Aviva Wellbeing app, the Retail Trust Portal, and access to a wide range of wellbeing benefits.”
Patrick’s story is one many can relate to. He said:
“When I finally received a diagnosis, I felt relieved. It was empowering to put a name to what I was experiencing and feel seen. With therapy, I was able to return to work stronger.”
Following his course of therapy, Patrick was offered a phased return to work, tailored to his pace and needs. Now, he uses his experience to support his own team. One of his go-to techniques is the ‘watercooler chat’; a simple, informal way to check in:
“If I notice someone struggling, I’ll take them for a coffee or a quick walk. If they want to talk, I’m there to listen and guide them to resources. If not, it’s still a way to show I care and that I’m here when they’re ready.”
Aldi takes a hands-on approach to mental health, ensuring leaders are trained and equipped to support teams, from policies and procedures to wellbeing resources and real-life leadership. Patrick added:
“At Aldi, there’s no stigma around asking for help. We often refer colleagues to the Retail Trust, which offers services many aren’t aware of.”
As the colder months approach, Patrick continues to remind his team to prioritise their wellbeing:
“Even if it’s cold, we wrap up and go for a walk, it makes a difference. I recommend taking a moment to pause and notice your surroundings on the way to work too, as it really helps you to start the day balanced and present.”
He also recommends a mindfulness technique:
“Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method: five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. It’s a great way to ground yourself and reset your thoughts.”
I’ve said it befor; the best retailers understand that success is driven by people. Aldi gets a lot of attention for pay (and rightly so — paid breaks, leading rates, big recent increases), but it's stories like Patrick’s that show the real culture behind the headlines.
If this resonates, you might also like these two earlier pieces from inside Aldi:
More of this, please.