When discussing mental health at work, the conversation is expected to focus on the pursuit of employee well-being and emphasise the benefits this brings to companies. However, without wanting to downplay the topic’s relevance, the care and attention that must be paid to mental health in leadership positions has been overlooked.
Senior managers face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental well-being. From strategic decision-making to financial results, senior leaders face high expectations for their performance and the pressure of knowing that the company’s future depends, to a large extent, on their decisions.
So, as a decision-maker, are you taking steps to protect your own mental health? Let’s explore why mental health in leadership positions is crucial and how you can prioritise well-being.
The importance of mental health in leadership
It is common to hear of employees showing symptoms of anxiety, stress, or even burnout in work environments. This is the main reason why the term “well-being at work” has gained special relevance in large companies. However, recent studies have shown that these symptoms intensify when talking about managerial positions.
People in managerial positions tend to be exposed to higher levels of stress and anxiety. A study by HBR discussed how more than 50% of managers feel burned out. Added to this context is the social stigma that still persists concerning mental health, which may prevent people with a mental health problem from seeking help due to the fear of being treated differently in the work environment.
These data reveal that there is still a long way to go when it comes to mental health in leadership positions. In this respect, organisational psychology has a great responsibility on its shoulders: to encourage and care for mental health at work, at all levels of the organisation.
It is essential to recognise that the mental well-being of an organisation’s leaders affects their ability to perform effectively and directly impacts the work environment and overall company performance. Leaders who are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or depression may find it difficult to make clear decisions as well as to inspire and motivate their teams.
“We have prioritised creating an environment of safety and trust where mental health issues can be addressed openly and respectfully… and demonstrated active engagement in raising awareness of mental health challenges among entrepreneurs and our leadership and management team, who play a key role in promoting mental health and well-being across the organisation”
– HR Interview with Lisa Porres, Chief People Officer at Spotahome, an ifeel partner company.
Strategies to foster mental health in leadership positions
To ensure mental health in leadership positions, companies must implement strategies specifically designed for management contexts so that the specific problems of this sector are efficiently addressed. Some of these strategies could include:
| Strategy | Description | Key actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cultivate a supportive culture | Create an environment where leaders feel safe discussing mental well-being and seeking help if needed. | – Implement well-being programs – Offer access to therapy – Establish confidential support channels |
| 2. Encourage work-life balance | Help leaders achieve a healthier work-life balance by setting boundaries, offering flexibility, and promoting time off. | – Set boundaries on working hours – Offer flexible schedules – Encourage the use of vacation days |
| 3. Provide access to psychological support | Ensure tailored mental health resources are available to leaders, including counseling and stress management workshops. | – Offer counseling and workshops – Conduct regular mental health check-ins – Provide mindfulness training |
| 4. Promote self-care practices | Encourage leaders to prioritize their well-being by adopting healthy habits and leading by example. | – Support regular exercise, sleep, and meditation – Offer EAPs – Provide incentives for self-care |
Looking for more strategies to enhance employee well-being and boost organisational performance?
- Visit our HR Interviews section, where our partners and top industry leaders share their insights and experiences on improving employee well-being using ifeel’s solutions.
- Don’t forget to check out our Resources section for in-depth guides, and tools designed to help HR leaders like you drive positive change. Explore now and equip yourself with the knowledge and resources!
The Ripple Effect: How mental health in leadership impacts the entire organisation
When large companies invest in mental health in leadership positions, the benefits go beyond individual well-being. A mentally healthy leadership team is more equipped to:
- Inspire and motivate employees: Leaders who manage stress effectively are better at fostering a positive work environment.
- Improve decision-making: Mentally healthy leaders are more likely to make sound, strategic choices that benefit the organisation.
- Boost employee engagement and retention: When leaders prioritise their own well-being, it sets a precedent for the rest of the workforce, creating a culture that values mental health across all levels.
Supporting mental well-being in organisations
At ifeel, we know that mental health in leadership is fundamental to corporate success. By prioritising an organisation’s leaders’ mental well-being, not only does it foster transformational leadership, but companies can improve the work environment, increase productivity, and promote a culture of support and resilience, all while investing in the company’s sustainable future.
To support companies in this process, our team of expert workplace well-being psychologists has created a mental well-being solution for businesses that improves talent retention, reduces presenteeism, and combats employee stress.
With our mental well-being solution, your company’s HR managers can receive personalised, data-driven advice on improving mental health at work. In addition, this solution offers employees a 360° mental well-being service structured at different levels according to their needs. Try our solution now to see how it could help you.
We hope you found this article about mental health in leadership interesting. If you would like more information about our mental well-being solution for large companies, simply request it, and we will contact your team as soon as possible.
